Daniel Rothamel, popular blogger, Realtor, and friend to many was sued on Febuary 22, 2011 in Seattle District Court demanding relief in regards to Rothamel’s use of the Zebra stripes “trade dress” violations. The suit alleges that Rothamel and the Strong Team Realtors have violated their trademark by using the zebra stripes and alleges use of their trademark “was and is calculated to cause injury to Plaintiff in the State of Washington” which is why they’re seeking $75,000 in damages.
In the online real estate community, Rothamel is well known as a blogger and speaker who has worked at Inman News and is an alumni columnist here at AgentGenius (AG), yet his focus is his real estate practice in Virginia which most agree is not easily confused with a coaching group out of Washington, yet the lawsuit has been filed and a legal defense fund has been set up.
It has been a long time AG policy not to comment on ongoing litigation and we will not enter an opinion one way or another, however, should any of our readers, writers, advertisers or sponsors feel so inclined to help Daniel Rothamel and his young family, his website with his contact information is here and we urge you to do what you can. Rothamel denies all claims in the lawsuit according to an Inman News interview yesterday.
