Rail Runner Sued

For use of the name... Rail Runner.

A Massachusetts company is suing the state and the Mid-Region Council of Governments over the use of the name “Rail Runner” for the commuter train here.

RailRunner N.A. Inc., the developer of a truck-and-rail system, is seeking a permanent injunction to stop any further use of the Rail Runner name by the Department of Transportation and MRCOG. It’s also seeking treble damages for compensation of what it says is a trademark infringement. [...]

RailRunner N.A. has been using “RailRunner” since 1995 for its railroad products, technology and services and it established its Web site, www.railrunner.com, in 1998. The company was granted a trademark registration in 2005 and said it notified MRCOG of the trademark issue that same year.

Hmmm, well, if they have to change the name, might I suggest... Sol Train.

Here's the original Rail Runner.

It's a...

...a Road-Ready Bi-modal Rail system, a railcar, trailer and container chassis system that is bringing container-based intermodal transportation service to the huge market of manufacturers, farmers, shippers, wholesalers and retailers who are not located near traditional intermodal hubs.

Wow, people will really be confused differentiating between a New Mexico non-profit passenger train service and a rail container transport system designed to move freight around.

Not!

Personally, I think the suit is without merit. But then again, I'm biased.