Judge Criticizes ‘Meritless’ Defense in Chicago Trademark Case

An exasperated federal judge Tuesday repeatedly criticized the legal tactics of an event promoter accused of infringing a digital media company’s trademark.

Triibe Inc., a group described by a founder as having the mission to uplift the Black community, accused One Tribe LLC of infringing on its federally granted trademark. One Tribe, a group that operates entertainment venues in Chicago, responded by saying “tribe” is a generic term and the US Patent and Trademark Office erred in registering the mark because social movements such as Black Lives Matter don’t qualify for a protected mark.

“I’m not going to use the ...