Key facts
- NOTUS has settled a trademark dispute with the new publisher of The Washington Star.
- The news outlet will not proceed with its planned rebranding as 'The Star'.
- A federal judge had previously blocked the rebranding due to name similarity.
- NOTUS will select a new name as part of the settlement.
The Washington-area news outlet NOTUS has abandoned its planned rebranding as 'The Star' following a settlement with the new publisher of The Washington Star. The decision comes after a federal judge in Northern Virginia had previously blocked the rebranding, ruling that the proposed name was too similar to the historical Washington Star.
As part of the terms of the settlement, NOTUS will select a new name for the publication. The outlet had announced its intention to rebrand, but the legal challenge from the trademark holder of The Washington Star name halted the process.
Robert Allbritton, founder and publisher of NOTUS, was involved in the proceedings that led to the eventual settlement and the decision to forgo the 'Star' moniker.