Adult film company wants HTC to stop using the name Vivid

AN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BRAND has written to HTC and demanded it stop using the name Vivid for one of its handsets, as presumably this trademark use could cause some confusion amongst users, or maybe self abusers.

The firm is called Vivid Entertainment, and a handset from HTC is called the Vivid. This could lead to some shocking internet searches perhaps, but we struggle to see how it could confuse handset users.

In a letter to HTC America CEO Peter Chou, attorney Mark Hoffman, a partner in the Los Angeles firm of Labowe, Labowe & Hoffman representing Vivid demanded that HTC cease using the name in "association with the marketing and sale of a wireless device that your company advertises can surf online websites and is 'built to entertain, with movies and shows' on a 4.5-inch screen".

Hoffman added that by HTC using Vivid's trademark it was creating the false impression that it is associated with or sanctioned by the pornography seller. He added, "We believe it is possible that your company is not unaware of this conflict."

HTC America has until 21 November to respond, he added, or the adult entertainment company will "have no alternative but to pursue all legal remedies".

We've asked HTC for comment. µ