The company that runs some of the most well-known casinos in Las Vegas has filed a lawsuit in federal court against a Nevada medical cannabis company, claiming trademark infringement, cybersquatting and unfair competition.
In the suit, MGM Resorts International accuses M Life Inc. – which has filed an application to open a dispensary in Las Vegas called M’Life Wellness – of violating the casino giant’s trademarked customer loyalty program, M life.
This type of lawsuit could crop up with increasing frequency as the cannabis industry expands and becomes more mainstream. Companies that grow or sell marijuana also can’t obtain a U.S. trademark because the plant is illegal at the federal level, further complicating the situation.
MGM Resorts said it owns multiple trademarks tied to M life and has spent millions of dollars over the past four years to promote the name, which is used for rewards programs at MGM Grand, Bellagio, Luxor and a dozen other properties.
Daniel Lutz, who owns M Life Inc., told The Associated Press that he believes the company and MGM can work out an agreement outside the court system, adding that he doesn’t want his dispensary to be confused with the loyalty program.
