03/06/2010 By http://www.businessweek.com ( Source: http://www.businessweek.com )

Leap Wireless unit wins case against GSM Cellular

Cricket Communications Inc., a subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc., said Wednesday it had won a permanent injunction against Arizona-based GSM Cellular for infringing on its trademark.

As part of the summary judgment, Cricket also won $78,000 in legal fees. Cricket had sued GSM Cellular in 2008, alleging it misled customers that its retail stores were affiliated with Cricket.

GSM Cellular retail stores named its business Kricket and displayed the Cricket trademark and logo, activated Cricket phones without authorization and accepted payments meant for Cricket, the company said.

GSM Cellular's previous owner, Abid Nazir, told The Associated Press he stopped displaying the logos in 2008 and shut his single store down that fall. He said he was previously a dealer for Cricket but had not taken down the logos and banners.

Nazir said he didn't have the money to fight the legal case and will not likely be able to pay the judgment.