CRANBURY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Lawsuit–MJH Life Sciences™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels, has conclusively defeated trademark infringement claims brought against 16 of its brands associated with online and print media, conferences and continuing medical education programs. Competing publisher Engage Healthcare Communications, LLC initially filed the lawsuit in 2012 seeking to prevent MJH from using common industry terms in its titles and claiming exclusive rights in the same. After securing summary judgment dismissing all of Engage’s claims in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, MJH’s victory was affirmed by U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in an opinion issued on Nov. 20.
In finding for MJH, the 3rd Circuit affirmed that not only did MJH not infringe any alleged trademarks, but Engage Healthcare failed to establish any valid trademark rights in its 33 claimed brands. The court recognized that common terms in the industry cannot easily become trademarks and Engage’s claimed brands “consist almost entirely of common healthcare industry jargon.” As such, Engage could have enforceable trademark rights only if these terms acquired distinctiveness and association between consumers and Engage; Engage failed to show any such evidence. Accordingly, without any lawful trademark rights upon which to ground the lawsuit, all claims against MJH were denied.
MJH is pleased to conclude the long-running litigation with full validation of its challenged portfolio of brands and the right to continue to bring professional audiences the very best in relevant, practical healthcare and scientific information, research and updates.
About MJH Life Sciences™
MJH is the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels, providing health care professionals with the information and resources they need to optimize patient outcomes. MJH combines the reach and influence of its powerful portfolio of digital and print product lines, live events, educational programs and market research with the customization capabilities of a boutique firm. Clients include world-leading pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and biotech companies. For more information, please visit https://www.mjhlifesciences.com/.
Contacts
Amy Erdman
aerdman@mmhgroup.com