Drone Zone Sanctuary Legal Dispute
Share
Local Entrepreneur Eric Hanscom Sues FAA Over Drone Branding Dispute
In Borrego Springs, Eric Hanscom, a local drone aficionado and the Managing Attorney at InterContinental IP (an intellectual property law firm in Carlsbad), is embroiled in a legal battle with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the "Drone Zone" designation. For nearly ten years, Hanscom has cultivated the "Drone Zone" brand, providing an array of services from aerial photography to drone piloting lessons. He has initiated a lawsuit against the FAA, accusing it of trademark infringement due to its "FAADroneZone" online portal, where drone users register their devices and seek regulatory guidance. This legal contention arises from the potential for confusion between Hanscom's established brand and the FAA's regulatory platform, given their similar nomenclatures and related drone services.
We came across a table in the Drone Zone Sanctuary, where legal documents were meticulously placed, each protected from the desert elements in clear plastic covers, held securely by tacks and stones against the persistent wind.
Drone Zone Dispute Takes Flight: Borrego Springs Entrepreneur Sues FAA Over Trademark Confusion
Hanscom's lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of California in August 2023, claims that the FAA's use of "FAADroneZone" could confuse consumers and dilute his brand, which he has built over many years. The lawsuit points out that Hanscom's business and the FAA's portal operate in related fields, potentially leading to confusion among drone enthusiasts and customers.
The FAA responded to the lawsuit in January 2024, denying Hanscom's allegations. The agency argues that its use of "FAADroneZone" is distinct and serves a regulatory purpose, which is different from Hanscom's commercial activities. The FAA contends that the inclusion of "FAA" in its portal name sufficiently differentiates it from Hanscom's "Drone Zone."
The legal battle has attracted attention in Borrego Springs and among the drone community, raising questions about trademark rights, government entities' use of similar names for regulatory purposes, and the potential for consumer confusion. As the case progresses, it will delve into the nuances of trademark law, especially as it applies to the names and terms used by government agencies in their public-facing initiatives.
Read The Official Court Documents
Learn More About Drones
Share This Post
Explore Borrego Springs, the gateway to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Discover its stunning landscapes, vibrant community, and sustainability-focused growth.