Alabama Port Authority Sues Over Trademark Dispute

The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) has initiated a federal lawsuit against Gulf Corp and its affiliate, Gulf Port Alabama, alleging trademark infringement, copyright violations, and cybersquatting. This legal action centers on the branding of the upcoming Port Alabama Industrial Center, a $1 billion project currently under construction in Baldwin County, near Mobile Bay. ASPA asserts that the park’s branding is misleading, creating confusion among the public and investors regarding its association with the established Port of Mobile.

Allegations of Misleading Branding

The lawsuit specifically targets the name Port Alabama, which closely resembles ASPA’s official website. ASPA claims that this similarity is not coincidental but rather a deliberate attempt to mislead potential clients and stakeholders into believing that the new industrial park is affiliated with or endorsed by the Port of Mobile, a critical hub for U.S. Gulf trade.

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Furthermore, the lawsuit raises concerns about the unauthorized use of a promotional video that ASPA originally commissioned. This video is claimed to be an integral part of the Port Authority’s marketing efforts, and its use without permission further complicates the case against Gulf Corp. The legal action underscores the importance of brand identity and intellectual property rights in commercial ventures, especially in competitive environments such as port operations and industrial development.

As of now, Gulf Corp has not publicly addressed these allegations, leaving the outcome of this lawsuit uncertain. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting trademarks and copyrights in an increasingly crowded marketplace.