20160104-NEWS--0001-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/30/2015 4:19 PM Page 1 Model citizens: Couple’s creations display city’s present, future, PAGE 18 JANUARY 4-10, 2016 Judge files to claim RiverWalk trademark Conservancy officials surprised at move; name is not protected By Robert Snell
[email protected] A Wayne County judge privately aims to snatch the Detroit RiverWalk name from the nonprofit group that built one of Detroit’s premier recreational spots and plans to profit off the brand name by peddling T- shirts, hats and hoodies. Judge Terrance Keith of Wayne County Pro- bate Court filed two trademark applications last month for the names “The Detroit River- Walk” and “RiverWalk Detroit,” according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The move surprised Detroit RiverFront Conservancy officials, who admit they failed to trademark the name after the RiverWalk debuted in 2007. The move to sell merchan- dise stamped with the RiverWalk name could mean, if unchallenged, the nonprofit loses a potential revenue stream at a time when the riverfront is poised for expansion. “I’d like to give a portion of the proceeds to them, but not all,” Keith said. “If I can use this to further benefit agencies, OK, and still make some money for myself, that is what I would like to do.” The conservancy, launched in 2003 to SEE RIVERWALK, PAGE 19 Million-dollar deals: Market for high-end homes sees best year in a decade By Vickie Elmer of $1.7 million nor icy roads slowed Dozens of homes in Birming- Special to Crain’s Detroit Business them down.