Pendleton isn’t just the name of an Oregon town – it’s also a bone of contention in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed this week in U.S. District Court.

The big dogs fighting over the bone are a pair of century-old corporations – Pendleton Woolen Mills and the (Pendleton) Round-Up Association – which share a long, and until lately, harmonious connection. The Woolen Mills filed a 13-page complaint that stated the Round-Up Association is using the word Pendleton in a trademark that is “confusingly similar” to the garment company’s trademark in the marketing of Let’er Buck Cologne.

The cologne’s label also reads, “Official fragrance of the Pendleton Round-Up.”

Round-Up Association President Dennis Hunt and his fellow Round-Up directors found out about the lawsuit Tuesday via email.

“We’ve had a long and valuable relationship with the Woolen Mills,” Hunt said. “We’re very disappointed they would sue us.”

Hunt kept his voice low as he spoke into his cell phone. He didn’t want to disturb a conference call with the association’s attorney, Sheila Fox Morrison.

Hunt wouldn’t speak further about the suit. He sounded uncharacteristically low, however, and added a dogged, “It is what it is.”

The Woolen Mills also remained relatively closed-mouthed. A news release explained the basis of the trademark infringement complaint.

“Pendleton Woolen Mills has been working as a community volunteer with Pendleton Round-Up Association for over 100 years in a close relationship and working partnership. 

Trademark protection laws are complex. A disagreement over the last six months unfortunately could not be resolved in a conventional manner. We are not able to comment further while these legal issues are pending.”