LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Supreme Court is considering whether to allow a Little Rock businessman's lawsuit claiming that he owns the rights to the state lottery's name to move forward.
Justices are scheduled to hear arguments Thursday in the lawsuit Ed Dozier filed against the Arkansas Lottery. Dozier has argued that he secured the trademark to "Arkansas Lottery," ''Arkansas Lotto," and "Lottery Arkansas."
The state is appealing a Pulaski County judge's decision to deny their motion to dismiss the case. The state argues that it is protected from the lawsuit by sovereign immunity.
Arkansas launched its lottery in 2009 after voters approved the games in 2008. Dozier, who secured the trademarks in 1994, used the lottery name before then for a promotion with a radio station and to sell novelty items.
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