Business sues over use of ‘Appliance Doctor’ name

By Steve Green (contact)

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 | 10:31 a.m.

A legal dispute has erupted in the appliance repair industry in Las Vegas over the name the "Appliance Doctor."

Samuel and Mary Gravino, who say they have operated a business called the "Appliance Doctor" in Las Vegas for 26 years, filed suit Tuesday in Clark County District Court against a company called the "The Appliance Doctor of Las Vegas."

The Gravinos say that since August they have received calls from "angry and disgruntled" customers who mistakenly believe the Gravinos' company provided services that were actually provided by The Appliance Doctor of Las Vegas.

Their suit seeks an injunction blocking the use of the Appliance Doctor of Las Vegas name by the competing company and in advertising provided by Yellow Book Sales and Distribution Co.

Ken Jagmin, who along with his wife Melissa owns the Appliance Doctor of Las Vegas, said Wednesday the phrase "Appliance Doctor" is commonly used by such companies around the nation and he's unaware of any trademark covering the name.

The Jagmins also noted their name is different than the competitor in that it includes the phrase "of Las Vegas."

Ken Jagmin had not seen the suit and could not comment further on the specific allegations.

The Gravinos said in their suit that in 26 years of business they have worked hard to establish an "impeccable reputation and goodwill" associated with the name the "Appliance Doctor" and claim to have a common-law trademark.

State records show that on Sept. 29 of this year their trade name was registered with the state, listing a first use of October 1989.

"Defendants are attempting to and have misappropriated the value of plaintiff's mark, reputation and goodwill built up over approximately 26 years at the expense of great time, effort and money," the suit charges.