The long-running court case between Comic-Con International: San Diego (often called San Diego Comic-Con or SDCC) and Dan Farr Productions and Bryan Brandenburg (organizers of Salt City Comic-Con) over the use of the term “comic con” has been decided. The jury decided in favor of Comic-Con International, in a court decision that will have a significant impact on many conventions.

In the case, which went to Federal District Court in San Diego, the jury decided for Comic-Con International, stating that the way Salt Lake City used it could be confusing to attendees. The jury found that the infringement was not intentional and only awarded $20,000 for corrective advertising.

Events leading up to the case began in 2014 when Salt Lake Comic-Con promoted their event in San Diego during Comic-Con International. Comic-Con International sent a “cease-and-desist” letter stating that the promotion was confusing, making it seem like the events were connected.

Farr and Brandenburg stated that the term “comic con” was generic and that it had been in use since before Comic-Con International. In court Comic-Con International stated that the name “Comic-Con” is recognized as connected to the San Diego event.

Based on the decision, Comic-Con International can seek licensing agreements with nearly 150 events in the U.S. that use the name “comic convention” or “comic con.” The alternative would require the events to rebrand. This change means that independent shows, including the larger events like New York Comic Con, may need to change the name or obtain a license with Comic-Con International.