The Coleman Company confirmed that a Kansas District Court ruled that neither Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., nor its subsidiary, Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc., have any right to use the Coleman trademark or any right to prevent The Coleman Company from using or licensing others the right to use the Coleman name and trademark on recreational vehicles. The Court also permanently enjoined Fleetwood Folding Trailers from ever using Coleman's name and trademark.
Coleman recently entered into a long-term licensing agreement with Coachmen Industries, Inc., a major manufacturer of recreational vehicles, to manufacture and distribute a new line of Coleman-branded recreational vehicles. In light of the Court's decision, Fleetwood Enterprises' recent threat that it intends to file suit against Coachmen Industries, Inc., is wholly unfounded and would be a frivolous suit.
Coleman is committed to the RV industry and is confident that its partnership with Coachmen will result in a broader line of more innovative, quality RV products that will meet growing consumer demand for Coleman recreational vehicles.
Coleman continues to move forward with its claims filed against Fleetwood for breach of contract, trademark infringement, and unfair competition. Coleman filed its claims to recover substantial damages it has suffered because of Fleetwood's conduct both before and after Coleman's termination of the Fleetwood license arrangement.
The Court also ruled that Fleetwood Folding Trailer's continued use of Coleman's name on its website violated the court's injunction and found Fleetwood Folding Trailers in contempt of the Court's order. The Court granted Coleman its attorney's fees and imposed monetary sanctions against Fleetwood.
