A local company that provides help for men involved in domestic violence situations has sued the Self-Help Center for alleged trademark infringement.

The Self-Help Center, which has offered counseling and other services for women victims of domestic violence for 30 years, started a program for male abusers called Thad's House with then-employee Thad Davidson at 309 N. McKinley St., in 2002, according to the Self-Help's Center Web site.

This program is now called McKinley House, according to a Self-Help Center staff member.

However, Davidson claimed in his lawsuit filed in 7th District Court on Feb. 13 that the Self-Help Center has continued to use the now-trademarked "Thad's House" name to promote its McKinley House program.

The complaint alleges that the trademark infringement has caused confusion among men seeking help and the public. It says that use of the name "Thad's House" confuses people because they don't recognize a difference between McKinley House - formerly "Thad's House" - and Davidson's current business of the same name.

According to the complaint, "Such confusion is not only damaging to the good will and reputation of Plaintiff, but is injurious to the consuming public as well."

Scott Ortiz, attorney for the Self-Help Center, said the Self-Help Center stopped using the name Thad's House when it renamed its program McKinley House.

"The Self-Help Center was not aware that they (Thad's House) even had a trademark, so we don't think we are in violation of anything," Ortiz said. "Even after they (Thad's House and the Self-Help Center) parted ways, they've referred any calls that have come to Thad's House directly to him (Davidson), so our legal position will be that we haven't caused any damages."

In its response to the lawsuit, filed March 10, the Self-Help Center denied all allegations and stated that "any perceived association with defendant is actually a benefit to plaintiff." The Center also requested a jury.

Vance Countryman, attorney for Thad's House, could not be reached for comment.

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com