Disney must phase out Go Network logo within 60 days

A federal court today denied Disney's request to continue using its Go Network online logo after a Friday ruling that the logo was causing confusion for consumers.

Federal Judge Terry J. Hatter ordered the entertainment giant to phase out the Go Network logo from its print advertisements, films and videotapes over a 60-day period. In addition, he ordered Disney to remove the logo from its Web sites and networks immediately and denied Disney's request to increase its $25,000 injunction bond to $20 million.

The ruling marks another win for Web search engine GoTo.com, which won a preliminary injunction last week barring Disney from using the Go Network logo. GoTo alleged that Disney's Go Network logo was too similar to its own logo and that Disney should be prohibited from using it.

Both companies employ logos depicting a green circle on a square yellow background with white lettering. Go Network's logo resembles a traffic light.

Since the ruling, Disney has replaced the Go Network traffic light with the words "Go.com" written in a simple font on its sites.

"We are gratified that the court has once again upheld GoTo's rights to our logo and the right of consumers not to be confused in the Internet marketplace," Jeffrey Brewer, GoTo's chief executive, said in a statement.

Disney was not immediately available for comment.

Infoseek shareholders tomorrow will vote to approve a merger proposal with Disney. If the vote passes, Disney plans to combine all of its Internet holdings under a separate tracking stock called "Go.com."