Summerfest resolves trademark clash over its Rock 'n Sole

Summerfest and the Competitor Group Inc. have struck a harmonious chord and ended the federal court battle over their dueling trademarks: Rock 'n' Roll vs. Rock 'n Sole.

Through the settlement, Summerfest will be allowed to use the Rock 'n Sole name and trademark for the half-marathon and 10K races it is launching on July 10.

Competitor Group, based in San Diego, Calif., had challenged the Rock n' Sole name and logo as an infringement on its trademark for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series, which has grown to 23 races around the country.

The company said the logos looked so much alike that runners could be confused and think Summerfest's run was part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series.

Summerfest answered the Competitor Group's cease and desist letter with a complaint in federal court, asking for an order to clear its use of the Rock 'n Sole name for its races.

The two sides agreed to dismiss the federal case last week, with the assurance that Summerfest can use the Rock 'n Sole guitar pick this year and in the future.

No further details on the agreement have been disclosed.

Here's a look at the Roll vs. Sole logos.