The CBS Television Network and RE/MAX International have reached a settlement of the trademark dilution lawsuit filed by RE/MAX on October 31 in federal district court in Denver. The suit charged that an episode of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” broadcast on October 10 damaged the reputation of RE/MAX by associating an unethical real estate agent suspected of robbery, pornography and homicide with a sign similar to the RE/MAX trademarked red over white over blue yard sign.

In full settlement of the lawsuit, CBS has agreed to change the sign to remove any likeness to the RE/MAX yard sign in future broadcasts of the episode. CBS said any similarities to the RE/MAX sign were inadvertent and any negative reflection on RE/MAX was unintentional.

“Over the past thirty years we’ve invested hundreds of millions of dollars to promote our yard sign design and the leadership of the RE/MAX organization,” said Dave Liniger, co-founder and chairman of RE/MAX International, Inc. “Like the owners of 'Kleenex,' 'Coca-Cola' or any other famous mark, we must take action when our valuable trademark rights are threatened. We were not surprised to learn that there was no intention at CBS to associate the agent’s misconduct with the RE/MAX organization. CBS is a respectable organization and they have done the right thing,” said Liniger. “As we stated at the beginning of this, we are not a litigious organization. The settlement gives us only what we needed and we are pleased to have amicably resolved this matter.”

Published: December 17, 2002

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