Facts

Jaguar Land Rover North America, Jaguar Cars Ltd., and Land Rover (collectively, JLRNA) held registered trademarks to vehicles under the Range Rover and Jaguar names. Sonic Fremont, Inc. was authorized to operate both a Jaguar and Rover dealership in Fremont, California, through a limited, exclusive license. Sonic submitted an application for a dealership transfer to Premier Automotive Imports of CA, LLC. JLRNA denied the application, but Sonic subsequently assigned its assets to Premier. On Feb. 12, 2010, JLRNA sent Sonic notices of termination of its dealership agreements.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
JLRNA filed suit against Sonic and Premier alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition under the Lanham Act. JLRNA contended that the dealership agreements did not authorize assignment of the licenses, and it had denied Premier's dealer application. JLRNA alleged that Premier continued to hold itself out an authorized Jaguar and Land Rover dealer despite the denial.

Result

JLRNA obtained a preliminary injunction overcoming jurisdictional challenges, and the parties subsequently entered a settlement.