The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has made good on a promise: The man who created the fake yet enjoyable dating Web site Metro HotCars received a cease-and-desist letter from the agency.
Creator Kyle Conrad tells DCist he got the letter last night. Conrad says he’s been in touch with a lawyer, but didn’t want to reveal any other information at this time.
The May 24 letter from attorney Mark R. Pohl states that Conrad and a representative from the site that Conrad bought the domain through Metro HotCars are using Metro’s logo and SmartBenefits mark without permission. Metro has a trademark on these items, according to the letter.
“We have reviewed the use on your Web site, and have determined that it is likely to confuse the public by giving the impression that WMATA is associated with your firm or endorses’s your firms services,” the letter reads.
The letter calls for Conrad to stop using the logo and mark, change the name of the Web site and send a letter to WMATA saying that he’s done these things.
After the site received media attention from outlets, including this site, Metro spokesperson Dan Stessel said WMATA was reviewing its legal options and would “take appropriate steps to protect our brand.”
Conrad has until July 14 to comply with the order and said the site will stay up in the meantime.
Read the letter below.
