A world arms race has erupted over a pose.
Kris Lindahl, a Minnesota’s realtor, sued Canadian agent Rob Golfi, saying he stole a signature posture, FOX 9 reported. Lindahl, whose web site calls his agency the “arms out actual property firm,” and whose picture is plastered on billboards all through the Twin Cities, alleges copyright infringement.
Golfi attended a seminar on actual property advertising and marketing taught by Lindahl and signed an settlement that he wouldn’t use the Minnesotan’s mental property with out authorization. The Hamilton, Ontario-based dealer then used the “arms outstretched” pose, for which Lindahl has utilized for a trademark, in a advertising and marketing marketing campaign, violating the deal.
The RE/MAX dealer’s use of the pose causes, “irreparable and immeasurable hurt with every passing day,” Lindahl informed the outlet. It depicts “a human proven from chest up, smiling and searching straight forward, with arms outstretched barely increased than perpendicular to the torso and fingers splayed,” the TV station reported, citing his utility for a trademark.
Authorized fights aren’t uncommon in the true property world, though litigation not often revolves round human arms. Current lawsuits embrace the allegations that Associated Corporations had a “poor door” for residents of 15 Hudson Yards. A choose threw out the case earlier this month.
One other lawsuit involving Los Angeles-based developer Barry Shy alleges Shy did not disclose litigation threats within the sale of a multifamily portfolio. In San Francisco, Alexandria Actual Property Equities obtained slapped with a lawsuit searching for to stop its sale of an unbuilt biotech growth.
Tom Phung, a patent legal professional within the Twin Cities who isn’t concerned within the case, mentioned Lindahl has a powerful case, though it’s comparatively new territory for mental property regulation. “He’s serious about defending his model,” Phung informed the outlet.
–– Kate Hinsche