Healthcare software developer Epic Systems sued Epic Staffing Group in October claiming trademark infringement, according to court documents. Epic Staffing Group disputes the claims.

According to the court filing, “The services that Epic and Epic Staffing Group offer under their EPIC-formative marks are closely related because they both can be, and are, used to provide services to healthcare providers. Epic’s customers, and consumers in general, are likely to believe Epic Staffing Group’s services originate from and/or are affiliated with Epic.”

Epic Systems’ lawsuit seeks damages, including punitive damages.

In a response sent to SIA, Epic Staffing Group said the lawsuit is without merit.

“Despite co-existing for the past seven years, and despite the fact that Epic Staffing Group does not sell or offer products or services bearing any similarity to the software offered by Epic Systems, Epic Systems is now claiming that Epic Staffing Group somehow infringes upon, damages, and dilutes Epic Systems’ trademark rights,” Epic Staffing Group said in its statement. “The fact is, for seven years, there has been no conflict or brand confusion between Epic Staffing Group and Epic Systems Corporation. Epic Staffing Group does not sell or provide any software to its customers. Furthermore, there are numerous companies in the healthcare industry using the term ‘Epic’ in their name.”

In its lawsuit, Epic Systems reported that while it provides software, it also provides staffing-related services such as implementation, technical services, quality management and more to customers on a project-by-project basis.

It also argues the addition of “Staffing Group” to Epic Staffing Group does not distinguish the name from Epic Systems’ operations.

Epic Systems is based in Verona, Wisconsin.

Epic Staffing Group is based in El Segundo, California.

Epic Staffing Group argued it is widely known and recognized in the healthcare industry and has been recognized by Inc. 5000 on its Fastest Growing Private Companies in America list for the past three years.

“Epic Staffing Group currently places thousands of highly trained clinical and nonclinical professionals in hospitals, post-acute facilities, ambulatory care centers, schools, government institutions and clinical research facilities nationwide. In addition, Epic Staffing Group has received numerous awards and recognition from our customers, and regularly receives outstanding reviews and accolades from our clinicians and other talent,” the company said.

Epic Systems v. Epic Staffing Group; US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin; 3:2024cv00692