Legal Opinion
Multiple Realty, Inc. v. Multiple Listing Service, Inc.
Supreme Court of Georgia
Decided November 5, 1964No. 22682PublishedCited by 6 opinions
1Opinion of the Court
Quillian, Justice.
In the present case the plaintiff contends that the defendant’s use of the word “multiple” in its corporate name is designed to mislead the public and trade upon the plaintiff’s good will and reputation. On the other hand, the defendant contends that the word “multiple” is a descriptive term which may not be exclusively appropriated.
The rule is well established that a generic or descriptive word is incapable of exclusive appropriation by a trader. Fraser v. Singer, 211 Ga. 26 (83 SE2d 599); Saunders System Atlanta Co. v. Drive It Yourself Co., 158 Ga. 1, 7 (123 SE 132);…
2Cases cited12 opinions
- Saunders System Atlanta Co. v. Drive It Yourself Co.Supreme Court of Georgia · 1924
- Womble v. ParkerSupreme Court of Georgia · 1951
- Atlanta Paper Co. v. Jacksonville Paper Co.Supreme Court of Georgia · 1937
- Gordy v. DunwodySupreme Court of Georgia · 1953
- Gano v. GanoSupreme Court of Georgia · 1948
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3Cited by6 opinions
- Alexie, Inc. v. Old South Bottle Shop Corp.Court of Appeals of Georgia · 1986
- Dolphin Homes Corporation v. Tocomc Develop. Corp.Supreme Court of Georgia · 1967
- Leo Publications, Inc. v. ReidSupreme Court of Georgia · 1995
- Multiple Listing Service, Inc. v. Metropolitan Multi-List, Inc.Supreme Court of Georgia · 1968
- Elite Personnel, Inc. v. Elite Personnel Services, Inc.Supreme Court of Georgia · 1989
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