May 1, 2013 - Mutual of Omaha, the insurance company and bank operator known for its "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" television series, has sued carpet manufacturer Couristan for trademark infringement for using the phrase "Wild Kingdom" to sell safari-themed carpets.
Since 1963, Mutual of Omaha has used the "Wild Kingdom" trademark in conjunction with its conservation efforts, including the long-running television series of the same name. The suit alleges that the trademark has become synonymous with Mutual of Omaha.
Mutual of Omaha became aware of the Wild Kingdom line of floor coverings in January, and in February asked Couristan to stop using the Wild Kingdom name. Couristan refused and Mutual of Omaha filed suit.
The lawsuit requests that the judge bar Couristan from using the Wild Kingdom trademark, pay compensatory damages, and hand over profits attributable to the improper use of the Wild Kingdom phrase.
A spokesman for Couristan said that the lawsuit is "being resolved right now" and is "not that big of a deal." Mutual of Omaha's spokesman declined to comment on the pending litigation.