Radio One Sues Over 'Boom' Trademark

Radio One Inc. has filed suit against Flinn Broadcasting Corp. in Memphis (licensed to Tunica, MS)  for trademark infringement for using the slogan "Boom" on its Classic Hip Hop WIVG 96.1 FM in Memphis and WOXF 105.1 FM in Oxford, MS.

Radio One asserts that since December, both stations are branding as "Boomin 96 Throwback Hip Hop" and specialize in playing only Classic Hip-Hop music. In October, Radio One flipped KROI 92.1 FM in Houston to Classic Hip Hop "Boom 92.1" and in November flipped WPHI 107.9 FM in Philadelphia to "Boom 107.9 FM."

WIVG 96.1 FM (4.1 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Western Tennessee, said Radio One sent a cease and desist letter to Flinn/Memphis GM Duane Hargrove on December 17, but received no reply. A second letter sent on January 6 also went without a response. Shortly afterwards Flinn began offering smart-phone apps for streaming its "Boomin 96"-branded Classic Hip-Hop stations to various smart devices, including smart phones and tablets.

WOXF 105.1 Fm (1.6 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

CBS Radio originally registered the BOOM FM mark in 2008 for "radio broadcasting services," transferring the mark to Radio One last December.

Radio One is seeking an injunction to prevent further use as well as compensatory and punitive damages.