Company Attempts to Topple “House of Cards” with Trademark Lawsuit

Popular Netflix television show, “House of Cards” was sued for trademark infringement this week by Massachusetts company, D2 Holdings. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the company alleges that it owns the trademark for the show’s title, “House of Cards.” D2 Holdings seeks an injunction prohibiting the show from using the phrase, and requiring the show to destroy any materials that bear the mark. Beyond trademark infringement, D2 is suing the show’s distributor, MRC II Distribution Company for unfair competition and dilution. D2’s attorney, William C. Saturley, says that MRC was undeterred by repeated failures to obtain the trademark, which he says was rejected “because of the prior existing registration of the HOUSE OF CARDS Mark.” With the new season of “House of Cards” just released, it will be interesting to see whether these allegations hold water.