Md. State Senator Must Drop Hershey-Bar-Like Signs
BALTIMORE (AP) -- A federal judge says a political candidate whose last name is Hershey must stop using campaign materials that mimic the look of the famous chocolate bar.
The judge ruled Thursday that Maryland state Sen. Stephen Hershey Jr. must stop using his dark brown signs with white lettering for now. The company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in June.
Hershey argued his signs, with a background of the Maryland flag in brown, are different enough to be permissible.
Judge William Quarles disagreed and issued a preliminary injunction, suggesting the company is likely to win its lawsuit.
Hershey's office didn't immediately respond to a phone message Thursday. His office has said Hershey has been told his family tree intersects with that of company founder Milton S. Hershey, but they aren't close relatives.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)