Protecting the LEGACY: Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Filed Against Legacy Family Chiropractic

Legacy Chiropractic, LLC, has filed a complaint against Legacy Family Chiropractic LLC, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition, and related claims. The complaint centers around Defendant’s alleged unauthorized use of the “LEGACY” trademark, which Plaintiff asserts is integral to its business and reputation. Since 2018, Plaintiff has operated Legacy Chiropractic in Shipshewana, Indiana, building a strong reputation for quality care, and the LEGACY mark has become a valuable asset attracting patients from across the U.S. and Canada.

The complaint states that despite Plaintiff’s established use of the LEGACY mark, Defendant, based in Warsaw, Indiana, began offering chiropractic services under the same name. In late 2019 or early 2020, Rebekah Franklin, the wife of Defendant’s CEO, contacted Plaintiff to inquire about purchasing the trademark, but Plaintiff declined. Defendant subsequently opened its clinic in March 2020, continuing to use the LEGACY mark. Defendant also registered the domain mylegacyfamilychiro.com in June 2020, incorporating the mark further into its marketing. Plaintiff claims that this has caused market confusion and that Defendant was aware of Plaintiff’s prior trademark rights.

Plaintiff’s legal claims include violations of the Lanham Act for trademark infringement and unfair competition, along with claims of cybersquatting due to Defendant’s use of the domain name. Plaintiff also seeks relief under Indiana state law for unfair competition and requests the cancellation of Defendant’s state trademark registration for “LEGACY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC,” arguing it was obtained in bad faith.

Despite efforts to resolve the issue, Defendant has not ceased the alleged infringement. After an attempt to resolve the matter in June 2024, Plaintiff issued a cease-and-desist letter in July 2024, demanding that Defendant stop using the LEGACY mark. Defendant’s refusal led to the filing of this lawsuit.

Plaintiff seeks several forms of legal relief, including a preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent Defendant from using any confusingly similar trademarks. Plaintiff also requests an accounting of Defendant’s profits from the infringement, as well as damages, including enhanced and punitive damages. Additional relief sought includes the transfer of the mylegacyfamilychiro.com domain name, the destruction of infringing materials, and the cancellation of Defendant’s Indiana state trademark registration. Finally, Plaintiff requests reasonable attorneys’ fees, citing the exceptional nature of the case under the Lanham Act.

Through this lawsuit, Plaintiff aims to prevent Defendant’s alleged unauthorized use of the LEGACY mark, protect its reputation, and obtain compensation for the damages caused by Defendant’s actions.

The case was assigned to Judge Damon R. Leichty and Magistrate Judge Scott J. Frankel in the U.S. District Court of Northern Indiana Case No. 3:24-cv-00668.

Complaint