GOLD CROWN TAXIS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 61, 5 December 1930, Page 2

GOLD CROWN TAXIS

Similarity of Names INJUNCTION SOUGHT Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, December 4. Claiming that the Christchurch publio was being misled or was likely to be misled by the name adopted by a comparatively new line of taxis, the Gold Crown Taxis, Charles Seymour Trillo, proprietor of Gold Band Taxis, sought an injunction in the Supreme Court before his Honour Mr. Justice Adams to restrain William George Dix, proprietor of Gold Crown Taxis, from using the words Gold Ctown Taxis. Judgment was reserved. Mr. C. S. Thomas appeared for plaintiff Trillo, and Mr. W. F, Stacey appeared for defendant Dix. Mr. Thomas said that at the present time there were approximately 40 Gold Band taxis in Christchurch, and about Y 0 nien Were employed driving them. Some time ago two or three drivers who were driving Gold Band taxis left Trillo and formed an association of their own, which was known as Gold Crown taxis. The key word which plaintiff sought to protect was “Gold.” The only reason why the new company was called Gold Crown Taxis was to take away business from Gold Band Taxis. It was significant to note also that the new association did not use the words “Gold. Crown Taxis” on the window of its office, but just used, the word “Gold” with a crown under it and the word “Taxis” under that.

Albert David Day, manager of Gold Band Taxis, said in evidence that the business was started in 1929, and tiad become a prosperous one. Defendant was at one time a Gold Band taxi-driver, but was now driving a Gold Crown taxi. Witness through his solicitor had written to defendant, asking him to stop using the words “Gold Crown.” There had at times been a great deal of ebnfusiou in telephone calls over the two names.

In reply to Mr. Stacey witness said that the taxis were owned by Trillo, and he received two-thirds of the takings. Defendant in evidence said he picked. “Crown” as n sign word, and because there wore White Diamond taxis and White Circle taxis he thought that he could use the word “Gold” as the most suitable to go with “Crown.” To his knowledge he knew of no confusion having arisen.

His Honour then inspected a taxi belonging to each party and reserved his decision.