China’s leading co-working space unicorn URWork plans to open its New York City branch next January, but it’s very likely now that the company can’t use its name for the grand opening in a couple of months.
A judge put an order in effect on Friday, stating that Serendipity Labs, URWork’s partner in the US for opening new locations, is not allowed to use URWork’s brand name for promotions outside of China, such as those on its website, office or other promotional materials, Bloomberg is reporting.
This order came as part of the case of WeWork’s lawsuit against URWork. WeWork, the New York-based startup, sued the fast-expanding Chinese company earlier this month, accusing it of infringing on WeWork’s trademarks. WeWork has also started legal action toward URWork in London.
As part of the case, URWork’s name can’t be used before the case closes, meaning that the Chinese co-working company is likely not allowed to put up its trademark for the launch of its New York City location set in January next year.
In response to this, URWork has just released an official statement, suggesting that the company won’t comment on ongoing litigation.
“However, we do want to make it clear that this consented order is reached between WeWork and Serendipity Labs,” said URWork in the statement.
“Our partner Serendipity Labs, who controls majority stakes in and operates the New York joined venture entity, has voluntarily agreed to temporarily halt their use of the URWork marks during the pendency of this lawsuit,” said the company. “We also remain committed in New York in our global expansion strategy.”
WeWork, on the other hand, called this order an important victory. The American co-working space company said that it is pleased the case is moving forward well quickly, reported Bloomberg.
URWork is ambitiously expanding outside of its home turf. The company has about 78 offices across 20 Chinese cities and is posed to enter Singapore, London, Taiwan, New York City and Los Angeles.