Nationwide Sues Mortgage Business for Trademark Infringement

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. accused a mortgage business of unlawfully using the “Nationwide” trademark despite the US Patent and Trademark Office’s rejection of its trademark application because of likely confusion with the insurance giant’s marks.

In a complaint filed Wednesday in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Nationwide said it has used its trademark since 1955 for insurance and financial services.

But Nationwide Mortgage Bankers Inc. still uses the Nationwide mark in its mortgage business, including with a blue color that’s similar to what the insurance company uses in its logo and on its website, the ...