Best Buy Sues Priest For Copyright Violation

(NewsCore) - A major electronics retailer is threatening legal action against a Wisconsin priest over his "God Squad" vehicle, claiming the logo on the clergyman's Volkswagen Beetle is identical to its own "Geek Squad" design, FOXNews.com reported Tuesday.

Rev. Luke Strand, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond du Lac, Wis., is no longer using the logo after Best Buy served him a cease-and-desist order, arguing that his religious vehicle is a copyright violation of its famous "Geek Squad" mobile.

The trademark of "Geek Squad" -- a Best Buy subsidiary that offers computer-related services to customers -- is a black Volkswagen Beetle with a catchy sticker logo on its front door.

Strand's vehicle, also a black Volkswagen Beetle, has a black and white circular logo on its door that reads "God Squad." Rosary beads hang from the car’s rear-view mirror and the license plate says "Godlvya."

"They feel that the shape and the font of the logo and the fact that it's on the Volkswagen bug causes confusion with their Geek Squad," Rhea Behlke, a spokeswoman for the church, told FOXNews.com.

Behlke said Strand, who was not available for comment Tuesday, has agreed to no longer use the logo. She said he was initially surprised by the letter threatening legal action but understands the company’s argument.

"They really have a responsibility to protect their trademark," she said. "There’s absolutely no animosity. He understands their position -- legally they have to do that."

Behlke said Strand has driven the "God Squad" car around Fond du Lac for a "number of years" as a "creative way to bring God to the streets."

Best Buy reportedly struggled with its decision to order Strand to give up his logo.

"At the end of the day it’s bad precedent to let some groups violate our trademark while pursuing others,” Paula Baldwin, a spokeswoman for Best Buy, said in a statement.

Read more: FOX News