The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) today announced that it has filed a complaint in United States District Court against the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) for trademark infringement. The "BOCped" certification program, started in September of 2006, threatens to confuse the public and dilute the value of ABC's Certified Pedorthist program and the C.Ped. credential.
Since the 1973 inception of the C.Ped program by the Board for Certification in Pedorthics, Inc. (BCP), this professional designation has served as the preeminent credential for pedorthic professionals, recognized by both patients and the healthcare community. Prior to BCP's integration into ABC, BCP delivered a cease and desist letter to BOC alerting it that its use of the “BOCped” credential was an infringement of the registered trademark "C.Ped." Subsequently, BOC declared that it was discontinuing its use of the “BOCped” name.
Following the December 2006 integration of BCP into ABC, BOC reversed its action and again announced its use of the certification title “BOCped.” Although BOC agreed in April of 2007 that it would cease using the “BOCped” certification, it has failed to do so. "We have reached out to the BOC and discussed with them their infringement of our trademarked C.Ped. credential. We were assured they would discontinue the confusing title. However, BOC has not taken the necessary steps to demonstrate good faith compliance with our numerous cease and desist letters," stated ABC President Stephen B. Fletcher, CPO.
Questions regarding this legal matter are to be directed to Tom Derrick at tderrick@abcop.org.