California's
Capitol Weekly reported yesterday on a trademark dispute between two separate groups that organize Bible study classes for legislators. Pastor Ralph Drollinger's group, Capitol Ministries, has been leading Bible study for California legislators for over ten years, and three years ago began organizing classes in the Capitol in Washington, DC. However, in May it was sued for trademark infringement by Capitol Commission, a North Carolina-based group that leads Bible studies in 16 state Capitols because Drollinger's group often operates under the label Capitol Commission. According to Capitol Weekly:
Capitol Commission president Jim Young said Drollinger is intentionally creating confusion between the two groups, by “domain squatting” on the Internet and other means, partially in order to siphon off donations meant for Capitol Commission....
Drollinger claims that a trio of former Capitol Ministries employees stole mailing lists and thousands of email addresses, which he said were then given to Capitol Commission. While he has not filed a lawsuit, he claims its Capitol Commission that is intentionally hurting his ministry.
