A federal district court in California has dismissed the lawsuit pitting the estate of actor John Wayne against the University.
The case made national headlines this summer, when Wayne's family sued the University in order to use the name Duke—Wayne's nickname for decades—to market bourbon and other alcoholic beverages. But the case was dismissed this week, on the grounds that the Trademark Appeal Board, rather than federal court, is the appropriate venue for the issue.
"We are pleased that the court has dismissed the lawsuit and we look forward to resolving this issue through the normal trademark process," Michael Schoenfeld, vice president of public affairs and government relations, said in a statement.
The suit was filed in July, with John Wayne Enterprises alleging that the University had unfairly blocked its attempts to use the Duke name.
Courtesy of Retro Video.
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