United Online, Inc. (UNTD), a provider of consumer products and services over the Internet, Tuesday said the High Court of England and Wales ruled in favor of the company's FTD subsidiaries, Interflora, Inc. and Interflora British Unit, in their long-running lawsuit against Marks and Spencer plc. It was concluded that Marks and Spencer's use of the "Interflora" trademark as a Google AdWord to advertise the Marks and Spencer's Flowers & Gifts website constituted trademark infringement.
In December 2008, Interflora, Inc. and Interflora British Unit had initiated proceedings against Marks and Spencer in an attempt to stop it from bidding on the "Interflora" trademark on Google, said United Online.
The case is expected to return to court later in the year to determine how much Marks and Spencer must pay Interflora, Inc. and Interflora British unit by way of damages and costs.
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