Florida Jury Clears Condo Owner in Resort Trademark Case

A jury in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida sided with a Marco Island condominium owner and associated rental businesses in a trademark lawsuit brought by the developer of the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. The verdict, returned earlier this month, rejected claims of federal trademark infringement, unfair competition and cyberpiracy related to use of the resort's name and crest logo.

The defendants, represented by Shutts & Bowen, argued they did not infringe the developer's marks. The jury found in their favor on all counts after trial. The firm announced the victory on August 24.

The case centered on alleged unauthorized use of the resort's branding in connection with rental activities. The outcome allows the defendants to continue their operations without the requested relief.