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ARTICLE · 24 JUNE 2020

Pairing Unsuccessful: Bluetooth And Fiat Denied Summary Judgment In Suit Over Unauthorized Use Of BLUETOOTH Marks

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP
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Whether it's by tuning out the world with wireless headphones or counting steps with a fitness tracker, Bluetooth technology facilitates the connections between billions of devices that make everyday life a bit easier.

United StatesIntellectual Property
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
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Whether it's by tuning out the world with wireless headphones or counting steps with a fitness tracker, Bluetooth technology facilitates the connections between billions of devices that make everyday life a bit easier.

Bluetooth SIG, Inc. ("Bluetooth") owns various trademark registrations which it licenses to other companies to use in promoting a product's Bluetooth-compatibility. In order to acquire such a license, Bluetooth allegedly requires potential licensees to satisfy various requirements and execute a membership agreement.

Fiat Chrysler ("FCA") utilizes the BLUETOOTH trademarks on vehicles equipped with "Bluetooth-enabled radio head units." Bluetooth became aware that FCA was using its trademarks without satisfying the requirements and sued for trademark infringement. In response, FCA moved to dismiss and argued 1) that the Bluetooth marks are generic and should be cancelled, and 2) that FCA's use was nominative and fair.

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