NOCATEE, Fla. – A Nocatee walking group is bowing out of a legal battle with a company over the group’s name.
NOC Rucks initially pushed back after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from SONOC, which helped develop Nocatee, saying the group’s name infringed on its trademark.
When News4JAX reached out to SONOC originally about this, the company sent us this statement.
“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
Now the walking group is holding its first event Wednesday night under its new name: “Ponte Vedra Ruck Club.”
The walking group made the announcement about the name change on social media a few days ago.
The co-founders said they had talks with lawyers, and now they want the focus to go back to fitness and building friendships in Nocatee.
The post says: “We look forward to putting this issue behind us in a positive and respectful manner, and we ask all of our members to do the same so that we may enjoy the inclusive community that the Parc Group has developed.”
Members of the walking group go around the community twice a week wearing weighted backpacks for exercise.
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.
When News4JAX reached back out to SONOC for clarity on what that meant and if the company owns the trademark “NOC,” we got this response:
“All legal matters relating to our registered names are handled by our trademark attorneys.”
The Ponte Vedra Ruck Club’s first walk with its new name starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the field right next to Treylor Park.