Coleman Announces Termination of Licensing Agreement With Fleetwood

Court Rules Fleetwood has no Right to Continue Using Coleman Brand

Coleman Seeking New Licensee to Manufacture, Distribute and Sell Recreational Vehicles and Camping Trailers Under Coleman Brand

WICHITA, Kan., July 21 -- The Coleman Company, Inc. announced today that the company terminated its licensing agreement with Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. on May 12, 2003. Under that licensing agreement, Fleetwood manufactured, distributed and sold a Coleman-branded line of folding camping trailers, hybrid trailers and related parts and accessories. Coleman found it necessary to terminate its license with Fleetwood due to numerous performance issues in breach of the licensing agreement, including but not limited to: Fleetwood's failure to submit products to Coleman for approval; Fleetwood selling products in countries it was not approved to sell in; and Fleetwood selling Coleman-branded products not covered by the licensing agreement.

Following termination, instead of discontinuing its use of the Coleman brand, Fleetwood sued Coleman in an attempt to preserve its license to sell Coleman-branded trailers. In response, Coleman counter-sued Fleetwood for breach of contract and trademark infringement. Following a hearing, the District Court in the Eighteenth Judicial District, Sedgwick County, Kansas, (Case No. 03 CV 2029) ruled in an order issued July 11, 2003, that Fleetwood has no right to continue to use the Coleman brand after termination of the license. In part, the Judge's order stated: " ... Coleman maintains a right to restrict the use of its name and trademarks. FFT (Fleetwood Folding Trailers) has not established any right allowing it to continue the use of Coleman's name and trademarks following Coleman's termination." The court left open for later decision the issue of equitable relief and monetary damages.

Coleman is committed to the RV industry and is currently seeking a new licensee to manufacture, distribute and sell recreational vehicles, folding camping trailers and related accessories under the Coleman brand name.

The Coleman Company, Inc., manufactures and distributes products for camping, backpacking, tailgating, backyard grilling and other outdoor leisure-time activities. Its products are distributed in the United States, Canada and more than 100 countries worldwide. Coleman, based in Wichita, Kan., for more than 100 years, is a subsidiary of American Household, Inc.