Wolf Trap Sues Non-Profit For 'Barns' Name

Wolf Trap is suing a community arts center in Berryville, Va. for using "The Barns" — also the name of Wolf Trap's indoor performance space — in its name.

The federal trademark infringement lawsuit, filed Dec. 14 but served last week, claims the name was used intentionally to make patrons believe Wolf Trap had expanded to a second location, the Washington Post reports.

It asks the Clarke County center to stop using "The Barns of Rose Hill" in its name as well as in its website address and also pay Wolf Trap for damages and lawyers fees. It also asks the group to surrender all signs, labels, ads and materials with "the Infringing Mark," the Post reports.

In a statement to the Post, Wolf Trap said it "has no desire to force The Barns of Rose Hill out of business. This is strictly about trademarks, and the need to prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace."

"The Barns at Rose Hill" was a 50-year vision for an arts, music and visitors center. A non-profit volunteer group named "The Barns of Rose Hill" raised $2.4 million to transform two abandoned barns into a useable space, reporter Tom Jackman wrote. It celebrated its grand opening in September and the four-acre center is now run by a volunteer board of directors.

"The Barns at Wolf Trap" has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for years, the Post reports. Wolf Trap registered "The Barns" as a service mark in October.

The Berryville organization says it can't afford to take the matter to court, and has set up a page for donations on its website. It's also organized a Facebook page called Big BAD Wolf Trap Bully, the Post says.

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