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US judge lets 'humane society' counterclaim proceed, testing trademark limits

By Melissa Ritti ( April 22, 2026, 19:04 GMT | Comment) -- Overlapping name changes by two prominent animal welfare advocacy groups have sparked litigation over the exclusive right to use “humane society.” For nonprofits operating in a crowded field, the case underscores the intricacies — and risks — of incorporating mission-driven language in branding.A counterclaim by the American Humane Association (AHA), doing business as American Humane Society, for a declaration that Humane World for Animals (HWFA), formerly known as The Humane Society of the United States, lacks an exclusive right to use “humane society” is moving forward....

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