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Patria Publications, Inc. v. Armesto

Citations: 542 So. 2d 1054; 14 Fla. L. Weekly 1088; 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 2353; 1989 WL 43359Docket: No. 88-2267

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; May 2, 1989; Florida; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The appellate court reversed the trial court's summary judgment in a case where the appellant sought an injunction for unfair competition regarding the trade name "Patria." The trial court had ruled that "patria," meaning "homeland" in Spanish, was generic and had been abandoned by both parties, rendering the issue moot. The appellate court found that "patria" cannot be deemed generic as a matter of law, citing precedent cases such as Florida Ventilated Awning Co. Inc. v. Dickson and others. Additionally, the appellate court identified material factual disputes regarding the alleged abandonment of the trade name, concluding that it was erroneous for the trial court to grant summary judgment. The case was remanded to the trial court for further proceedings.

Legal Issues Addressed

Genericness of Trade Names

Application: The appellate court determined that the trade name 'Patria' cannot be deemed generic as a matter of law, thereby reversing the trial court's decision.

Reasoning: The appellate court found that 'patria' cannot be deemed generic as a matter of law, citing precedent cases such as Florida Ventilated Awning Co. Inc. v. Dickson and others.

Injunction for Unfair Competition

Application: The appellant's request for an injunction for unfair competition was based on the use of the trade name 'Patria,' which the appellate court found could not be dismissed as generic.

Reasoning: The appellate court reversed the trial court's summary judgment in a case where the appellant sought an injunction for unfair competition regarding the trade name 'Patria.'

Remand for Further Proceedings

Application: The appellate court remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings to address the unresolved issues concerning the trade name 'Patria.'

Reasoning: The case was remanded to the trial court for further proceedings.

Summary Judgment and Factual Disputes

Application: The appellate court concluded that summary judgment was inappropriate due to existing material factual disputes regarding the alleged abandonment of the trade name.

Reasoning: Additionally, the appellate court identified material factual disputes regarding the alleged abandonment of the trade name, concluding that it was erroneous for the trial court to grant summary judgment.