Taylor v. Hoppin' Johns, Inc.

This case involves alleged servicemark infringement. John M. Taylor owns and operates a culinary bookstore in downtown Charleston under the name “Hoppin’ Johns.” He also consults with the restaurant industry and occasionally writes culinary articles under the pseudonym “Hoppin’ John.” John Wilson is an officer and sole shareholder in Hoppin’ Johns, Inc., a corporation formed to operate a nightclub in North Charleston. The nightclub was named “Hoppin’ Johns” and opened for business on March 22, 1989. Taylor filed suit on March 24 alleging (1) common law servicemark infringement, (2) common law…