AT&T and Citigroup this week agreed to let go of their spat over the former’s use of the word “thanks” in its rewards program.
Reuters reported the decision came Monday after Citigroup sued AT&T in June, alleging the name of its new “AT&T thanks” loyalty program was too similar to Gitigroup’s own “thankyou” rewards offering.
In its original filing, Citigroup argued AT&T’s use of the “thanks” label was “likely to cause consumer confusion and constitutes trademark infringement.” The companies are linked through a relationship that has seen them issue 1.7 million co-branded credit cards in the United States.
The bank was seeking an order preventing AT&T’s use of the label and mandating the destruction of all materials carrying the infringing slogan. Citigroup was also after restitution for any profit AT&T made off the label and triple damages.
According to Reuters, the case was dropped with prejudice, which means the charges cannot be brought up again.
Launched at the start of June, AT&T’s “thanks” program offers customers a variety of entertainment-focused rewards. Offers include the buy-one-get-one “Ticket Twosdays” for movie showings and pre-sale access to concert tickets via Live Nation.
Filed Under: Carriers
