While we often look at private companies seeking to enforce their trademarks and brand images, non-profit organizations also have important interests at stake in this area. Veterans’ organizations in particular are on the look out to stop potential fraudsters who capitalize on similar sounding names to take money that would otherwise go to veterans and charitable causes. Consumer confusion is one test for trademark infringement, and, unfortunately, consumers often have a tough time distinguishing veterans’ organizations.
The US Navy Veterans Association (“USNVA”) is one example of a fraudulent non-profit that consumers may not have known about. It seems legitimate on paper, after all – it claims to have its roots back in 1927, though it did not begin filing any taxes until 2002. In 2008, it had $22.4 million in revenue and claimed to have 66,000 members.
Media investigations began to uncover unsettling facts about the USNVA last year, however. Its Washington DC headquarters turned out to be a post office box instead of an office. No one could verify the existence of the USNVA’s CEO or as many as 80 other executives who appeared on the organization’s tax forms. Journalists have also had trouble obtaining information on USNVA’s financing and on how it spends its money. Several states are now investigating the USNVA on criminal charges as they try to determine who is behind the fraud.
Unfortunately, there are numerous fraudulent organizations that claim to be non-profit groups supporting veterans and their families. Names like “Purple Heart Veterans Foundation” and the “Veterans Support Organization” sound legitimate, which is exactly what the people behind these schemes want the public thinking. Aggressively protecting trademark rights is one way that non-profit organizations can protect their operations and the public.
Klein Trial Lawyers – Los Angeles business litigation attorneys