United States Fourth Circuit

Because the parties operate in separate territorial markets and the likelihood of confusion does not otherwise loom large, defendant was never obligated to initiate an action for infringement of its WHATABURGER mark. Thus, the doctrines of laches and acquiescence do not estop defendant from pursuing declaratory relief.

Appellate Information

• Decided 02/11/2004
• Published 02/11/2004

Judges

• Before WILKINS, Chief Judge, and TRAXLER and DUNCAN, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fourth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ARGUED:Hubert Adair Crouch, III, Crouch & Inabnett, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas, for Appellant.  Melvin J. Radin, Norfolk, Virginia, for Appellees. ON BRIEF:  Stephen E. Story, Shepherd D. Wainger, Kristan B. Burch, Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Norfolk, Virginia, for Appellant.