Martha Stewart, Town Resolve Trademark Dispute

The long-running trademark dispute between Martha Stewart and the villagers of Katonah, NY has been resolved. The parties agreed to a compromise: that Stewart may only use the name Katonah in connection with furniture, mirrors, pillows and chair cushions. Stewart had previously desired to obtain protection in connection with home furnishings and accessories, indoor lighting, paint, carpeting and flooring.

The dispute started after the villagers of the small, upstate New York town and some its businesses filed an opposition against Stewart's attempt to trademark the name for her desired goods. The residents argued that Stewart's use of the town name would harm existing businesses. In addition, a nearby American Indian tribe objected because the village is named after one of its 17-century chiefs.