Nationwide Settles Trademark Infringement Suit

Ohio-based Nationwide announced it has settled its federal trademark infringement suit against two Florida insurance companies, Nationwide Insurance Group Inc. and The Nationwide Companies.

The suit, filed with the Federal District Court in Columbus in August, demanded that the Florida companies stop using the Nationwide name and trademark to sell insurance and financial services products.

According to the settlement terms, the Florida companies will also stop using the name “Nationwide” to advertise, promote, market, sell, or service insurance or financial services. In addition, they will cease using the domain name “teamnationwide.com” and surrender all web sites, printed matter, and any other materials bearing the “Nationwide” name. The companies must also place a disclaimer on all printed materials and web site pages advising that they have no affiliation with Nationwide. They have 30 days to send out letters with this disclaimer to their agents and customers.