91ÊÓƵ

The first hit in a web search for “Mackenzie Architecture” is not the small, Portland-based residential design firm with that name. Instead, searchers find Mackenzie, a larger architecture and engineering firm with offices in Portland.

This has confused people seeking the services of Mackenzie Architecture, according to the firm’s owner, Hilary Mackenzie. She is suing Mackenzie, which was founded by her father, Tom Mackenzie (he has since retired), for trademark infringement and unfair competition.

The lawsuit filed this week in federal court in Portland stems from a rebranding effort late last year when the larger firm changed its name from Group Mackenzie to Mackenzie, said Kevin Hayes, a Klarquist Sparkman attorney representing Mackenzie Architecture.

“Since that time, it’s been causing problems for Mackenzie Architecture,” he said.

Before Mackenzie dropped the word “Group,” the names of the two firms were distinct enough that potential customers weren’t mistaking one for the other, Hayes said.

The suit asks that Mackenzie return to using its former name. Mackenzie Architecture is also seeking monetary damages from the larger firm.

Matthew Wilmot, the Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt lawyer representing Mackenzie, declined to discuss the case, but issued a written statement indicating that the larger firm intends to defend its name.

“We are disappointed that Ms. Mackenzie has decided to sue,” the firm stated. “We hold Tom Mackenzie in high esteem and are proud to bear his name.”