The owners of the iconic 1969 Woodstock music festival, Woodstock Ventures, are preparing for a legal battle with Woodstock Roots in court over using Woodstock trademark in the New York cannabis market. The case is set to go before a jury on April 22nd, 2024. Woodstock Ventures alleges that Woodstock Roots, based in Pennsylvania, is infringing on their trademark and causing confusion among consumers.

“The Woodstock Cannabis Co. LLC” is the name of Woodstock Ventures’ cannabis business, which was established in Colorado. The Woodstock Roots set up their business in New York and called it “Woodstock Cannabis Co. LLC.” Both companies wish to sell their products in New York.

Woodstock Ventures LC is seeking a judgment in a trademark dispute with defendant Woodstock Roots LLC, which controls “Woodstock” marks protecting smokers’ articles. The company’s decision to take legal action against Woodstock Roots demonstrates their commitment to preserving the integrity of the Woodstock name.

The plaintiffs argue that selling “Woodstock”-branded weed is a natural outgrowth of their 50-year effort to grow the consumer brand, and that they have the right to grow their protected stable under the “zone of expansion” principle. Woodstock Roots says the plaintiff companies are the actual infringers, and they seek a verdict of noninfringement.

As both companies prepare to present their arguments before a jury, industry experts will be closely watching to see how this case unfolds and what precedent it may set for future trademark disputes in the cannabis market.

The dispute between the two companies highlights the increasing importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the rapidly growing cannabis industry. With more and more companies entering the market, it is crucial for businesses to safeguard their trademarks and brand identities. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how trademarks are enforced within the cannabis industry.

The trial scheduled for April 22nd will be a pivotal moment for both Woodstock Ventures and Woodstock Roots as they seek to assert their respective rights to promote the trademark for Woodstock cannabis products. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for other companies operating in the industry and may serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of conducting thorough trademark searches before launching new products or services.