Hotel chain files trademark suit

A hotel chain is suing to settle a trademark dispute.

Hotel Valencia Brands and Hotel Valencia Corporation filed a lawsuit Dec. 15 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Prospect Hospitality and Pacifica Hosts Inc., citing a trademark dispute.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs operate and have invested more than $100 million in hotels under the mark "Valenica," including the acclaimed Hotel Valencia San Antonio Riverwalk. The complaint states the defendants' single La Valencia Hotel on Prospect Street in La Jolla pre-existed the plaintiffs' trademark registration, but when Pacifica Hosts Inc. filed for registration, it was refused due to the likelihood of confusion with the plaintiffs' mark. The plaintiffs say proceedings are pending.

The plaintiffs seek judgment that they have an incontestable right to use the trademark throughout the United States, except for La Jolla.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number: 4:14-CV-03556.