Fall River, MA — A bitter lawsuit has erupted in this Massachusetts city where the infamous Lizzie Borden once lived. The legal battle features two neighboring businesses: the Lizzie Borden House museum and bed-and-breakfast, and a cafe, Miss Lizzie’s Coffee, which are at loggerheads over allegations of trademark infringement and intimidation tactics.
The lawsuit was initiated last year by US Ghost Adventures (USGA), which operates the Lizzie Borden House at 230 Second Street. USGA claims that Miss Lizzie’s Coffee, located at 242 Second Street, infringes on its Lizzie Borden-related trademarks. Court filings reveal that USGA alleges confusion among customers due to the proximity and naming of the cafe which, they argue, leverages their trademarks without permission.
Miss Lizzie’s Coffee has responded vigorously to the accusations, denying any intent to suggest an association with the museum. The coffee shop has placed multiple signs clarifying that they are not connected to the museum, as stated in their counterclaims.
Further complicating the legal imbroglio, Joseph Pereira, owner of Miss Lizzie’s Coffee, has made the explosive claim that a witness affiliated with USGA deliberately spread his criminal history across the internet to damage his reputation and drive him out of business. According to legal documents, this was allegedly done to “intimidate the Defendant so the Defendant would go out of business through humiliation.”
Pereira, who now represents himself legally, refused to comment further on the situation pending court proceedings. However, in his initial filings, he mentioned coercive tactics used by USGA, including bribing a witness with a free stay at the bed-and-breakfast in exchange for supporting their cause in the legal battle.
The hostilities between the two establishments tap into a larger narrative, one that echoes the infamous lore surrounding Lizzie Borden, who was tried and acquitted in the 19th century for the axe murders of her father and stepmother in their Fall River home. The house has since been transformed into a museum and tourist attraction, drawing visitors fascinated by the macabre tale.
Amid the allegations, USGA has defended its actions by producing statements from employees and patrons of the museum, who reportedly mistook the coffee shop as part of the museum, thus substantiating their claim of trademark infringement.
The present legal proceedings follow a year of contentious interactions, where preliminary injunctions sought by USGA to halt the cafe’s operations were denied, moved the company to appeal against the ruling. The appeal is now pending a decision, highlighting ongoing debates over intellectual property rights and business conduct in the shadow of a historic crime story.
As the case proceeds, the local community and followers of the Lizzie Borden saga watch closely, witnessing the latest chapter of drama unfold next door to the very site where the original Borden house horrors captivated a nation. This lawsuit, entwined with historical intrigue and allegations of sharp business practices, shows no signs of resolution just yet. The outcome may set a significant precedent on how trademark laws are interpreted and enforced in proximity to sites of historical significance.