Bridges in Organizations, Incorporated; Kanu Dunn Kogod,plaintiff-appellants, v. Bureau of National Affairs, Incorporated; Bnacommunications, Incorporated, Defendants-appellees, 983 F.2d 1055 (4th Cir. 1993)

Bridges in Organizations, Inc. and Kanu Dunn Kogod ("Kogod") appeal from the district court's order granting summary judgment to Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. and BNA Communications, Inc. ("BNAC"). In 1988, Kogod registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office the name "Bridges in Health Care" as a trademark for "educational consulting services, namely providing analysis, training and follow-through on programs to enhance skills for health personnel in their dealings with patients." In 1990, BNAC introduced a video product entitled "Bridges: Skills for Managing a Diverse Workforce." Thereafter, Kogod asserted registered and common law trademark infringement causes of action against BNAC pursuant to the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq. On cross motions for summary judgment, the district court concluded that: (1) BNAC had demonstrated that the word "Bridges" as used in the cultural diversity field is descriptive and therefore not entitled to trademark protection without a showing of a secondary meaning; (2) Kogod failed to produce any evidence of a secondary meaning; and (3) assuming that Kogod was entitled to trademark protection, no infringement occurred because no likelihood of confusion exists between Kogod's service and BNAC's product.

Our review of the record, the district court's opinion, and the arguments of counsel discloses that Kogod's appeal is without merit. Accordingly, we affirm on the reasoning of the district court. Bridges in Organizations, Inc. and Kanu Dunn Kogod v. Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. and BNA Communications, Inc., No. CA-B-91-23 (D. Md. January 29, 1992).

AFFIRMED