Pittsburgh Zoo able to move forward with Asian Lantern Festival after lawsuit

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is able to move forward with its upcoming Asian Lantern Festival after a lawsuit was filed by the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Cleveland Metroparks, which also has an Asian Lantern Festival, wanted a temporary restraining order to prevent the Pittsburgh Zoo from using the same phrase for its event. A judge denied that motion on Thursday, according to a news release.

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The judge found that “Cleveland Metroparks failed to meet any of the criteria necessary and voiced his concern that the phrase ‘Asian lantern festival’ would likely be considered a generic term which would not be entitled to protection under trademark law,” the release said.

It was also noted in the release that several other zoos throughout the United States use the name for their events.

“This ruling is certainly encouraging and a positive step for the Pittsburgh Zoo, which is now able to continue with all marketing and advertising efforts for its upcoming Asian Lantern Festival without encumbrance,” Attorney Ray Middleman with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, which represents the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, said in a statement. “The good news is that residents and visitors to both Pittsburgh and Cleveland will be able to experience a world-class, culturally-enriching event in each city.”

The Pittsburgh Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival is scheduled to begin on Aug. 14 (CLICK HERE for more information).

The Zoo said the festival, which will include towering and illuminated steel and silk lanterns, will shine a light on conservation, community and diversity.

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