Surf City USA Dispute to Remain in Northern California Federal Court


HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Feb. 1, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- A federal judge in San Francisco today ruled that ruled that a trademark suit originally filed in state court in Santa Cruz by Flotsam, Inc. against the non-profit Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau, and removed by the bureau to federal court in San Francisco, will remain in San Francisco for trial. The Huntington Beach bureau will now have 10 days to respond to the complaint and file any claims of its own.

"The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau has already succeeded in having the case removed from Santa Cruz to federal court in San Francisco," said Doug Traub, president and CEO of the bureau. "Instead of having a potential jury pool of Santa Cruz residents, many of whom may have already formed opinions on this dispute, we will now have a jury pool from the entire Northern District federal court." Noting that the Northern District encompasses almost 10 million residents from Eureka to Monterey, including the entire Bay area, Traub added, "We think a federal judge will be able to guard against any prejudice through individual questioning of potential jurors."

Since branding itself with the Surf City USA(r) name in November of 2004, overnight travel to Huntington Beach has increased dramatically, with hotel revenues swelling by almost $1.3 million or 28 percent. Three new upscale hotels with ocean views are planned to capitalize on demand. The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau currently has seven registered trademarks and five licensing partners, including clothing, financial services and a beach cruiser bicycle, with eight other trademark applications in process.

"The Surf City USA trademark is the cornerstone of an invaluable stream of revenue that directly benefits both visitors and residents of Huntington Beach," said Traub. "We're simply protecting our rightful heritage."

About the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau

The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau is the official designated marketing organization representing Huntington Beach, California. As one of the top Southern California vacation destinations featuring premier California beach resorts, Huntington Beach is the ideal location for a California family vacation, California weekend getaway or surfing trip. With eight and half miles of pristine California beaches, Huntington Beach is fast becoming a destination of choice for vacationers and business travelers alike. To plan your Surf City USA(r) vacation or to learn more about Huntington Beach, visit the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau Web site at www.surfcityusa.com or call 800-729-6232 for a free visitors guide.

Surf City USA(r) is a registered mark of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau.

The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2774



            

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