NotHarvard bills itself as a "pioneer in developing online, branded universities and...the use of free, online education as a sales and marketing weapon."
Apparently, that mission is too close to Harvard's for the University's comfort.
"We get most concerned when someone uses our name in something related to teaching and research," Wrinn said.
Wrinn described the matter as a case of "confusion and dilution."
"They're using Harvard as a moniker and a marketing tool," he said.
While University officials and attorneys refused to reveal their litigation strategy, Fisher said that the University's grievance most likely rests on the idea that notHarvard is "diluting" Harvard's famous trademark.
"The dilution provision in the current federal trademark statute enables the holder of famous marks to prevent the registration or use of marks that would not confuse consumers but that either blur or tarnish the famous mark," Fisher said.
Harvard's suit alleges that notHarvard has violated several federal and state laws.
Read more in News
Campus Crime TimelineRecommended Articles
-
Harvard Wins Lawsuit Against Canadian FirmIn its first lawsuit in a foreign court in recent memory, Harvard last month won a judgment in a Canadian
-
Harvard Takes Aggressive Stance on Campus Student Group NamesFor more than a century and a half, the Harvard Lampoon, a semi-secret Sorrento Square social organization that used to
-
Harvard: Administration Watch-Dogs Keep Use of Harvard Name Under ControlWhat image does the name Harvard evoke? To some it is a brand of cigarettes marketed in India, a type
-
Newsletter Must Omit 'Harvard' in NameThe University, in keeping with recent efforts to restrict the use of the Harvard name, recently asked the Harvard Club
-
University Attorney Considers Lawsuit Against 'NotHarvard.com'Online educational e-commerce website NotHarvard.com is saying it's, well, not Harvard, but University attorneys are nevertheless considering legal action against
-
While You Were GoneThe search for Harvard's 27th president officially kicked off this summer, as the Harvard Corporation named the nine-member search committee.
