NOCATEE, Fla. – A walking group in Nocatee, known as NOC Rucks, is pushing back after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from a company over their name, claiming that it infringes on a trademark.
The letter came from SONOC/The Parc Group, which helped develop Nocatee.
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The walking group, which has been active since 2020, walks around the community wearing weighted backpacks. Members say they’re stunned by the legal notice.
“We thought we were doing something positive for the community,” said Tom Simon, a co-leader of the group. “The idea that someone would threaten us over this is just so shocking.”
The group’s founder, Mike Schroder, and Simon attempted to resolve the issue by offering to purchase the rights to the term “NOC,” but their proposal was rejected.
News4JAX reached out SONOC/The Parc Group for comment on this matter.
The Parc Group responded to News4JAX, and said:
“Over 20 years ago, we filed for and received approval to trademark the name NOCATEE to protect the brand of our community, and since then we have registered additional names including NOC. Over the years, we have had many businesses, clubs and non-profits attempt to use the name NOCATEE or NOC as part of their name or identity. We do not prohibit the activity of organized clubs or their members. But while some clubs such as this particular walking club are good for the community and consistent with our brand, some are not and intend to use the name for personal gain, or for purposes that would be divisive or damaging to our community. We do not want to be in the position of determining which clubs are positive for Nocatee and which clubs are not. Our only requirement is that clubs refrain from using our trademarked name or claiming that an endorsement or affiliation exists. We have addressed this same issue with clubs and organizations countless times since the very beginning of Nocatee, and they have complied by simply removing NOCATEE or NOC from their name.
In March of last year, our attorneys sent the leaders of this particular walking club the same letter that is sent to all clubs, businesses and non-profits that are not licensed to use our trademarked names. Our request in no way affects the ability of the group to organize or walk, but only to remove the NOC affiliation from the name. We were told at that time that the name would be changed, but we have since been notified us that there is no intent to honor our registered trademark.
We have made a significant investment in roads, trails and paths in Nocatee and are pleased to see residents walking as a group and enjoying the Nocatee lifestyle. Our greatest concern continues to be the protection of the community and our brand overall, which sometimes affects well-intentioned clubs or individuals. If the sole objective of this club is to walk as a group, it is welcome in the community, but while honoring the protections we receive under trademark law. .”
The Parc Group
Despite the legal hurdles, Schroder is determined the group will continue its activities. “This could be the end of NOC Rucks as a name, but this club isn’t going anywhere,” he said.
The group adds that they hope to have the entire situation cleared up because they don’t want it to progress legally, and could do so by inviting a member of SONOC out with them on one of their weekly walks.
Their next walk will be taking place Sunday morning at 8:30.
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website, the phrase “NOC” by SONOC is pending approval for two things, with a suspension notice from September attached to one of them.
News4JAX reached out to SONOC/The Parc Group to clarify what this means and whether they own the trademark to “NOC.”
We received a reply back that said:
“All legal matters relating to our registered names are handled by our trademark attorneys.”
The Parc Group