PPG sues Sherwin-Williams over alleged trade infringement

Two of the paint industry's largest manufacturers are locked in a legal battle over the use of the phrase “The Color of Inspiration,” according to an article in the Pittsburgh Business Times. PPG Industries, based in Pittsburgh, has filed a trademark infringement complaint against Sherwin-Williams in federal court, claiming that it owns the rights to “The Color of Inspiration.” PPG used “Color of Inspiration” as the name of its paint color selection and matching system at Lowe’s stores, according to the lawsuit.

Sherwin-Williams has registered the phrase “Color of Inspiration” as a domain name, the newspaper reported. The Cleveland-base company currently operates a Web site under www.colorofinspiration.com.