CINCINNATI — A federal judge ruled this week that Larry Flynt and Jimmy Flynt can use the Hustler name on both of their competing downtown stores, at least until a broader partnership dispute between the brothers is resolved.
Jimmy Flynt claims that his brother’s store on 7th Street, which was opened several weeks ago, creates confusion among customers and unfairly harms his store located nearby on Elm Street.
"We strongly believe Jimmy has priority rights to this name in this market," said Bob Hojnoski, Jimmy Flynt’s lawyer.
Larry Flynt's lawyer, Mark VanderLaan, said his client uses the Hustler name all over the world and should be permitted to do so in Cincinnati. He said Larry Flynt holds the trademark on the name and can use it on any of its properties, according to Cincinnati.com.
Larry Flynt and Jimmy Flynt have been embattled in legal disputes for years, over the ownership of LFP assets and the Hustler brand name. Jimmy Flynt claims he has ownership rights to LFP’s various business entities.
