The State - News from Jan. 5, 1986

The name “Pebble Beach” is fair game for commercial use, a federal magistrate has ruled. U.S. Magistrate Wayne Brazil ruled the Pebble Beach Co.’s claim that it holds exclusive commercial rights to the name extends only to golf facilities. The judge said Carmel shop owner Paul Laub can keep selling his own Pebble Beach T-shirts, towels and other items. Laub, who has marketed such items since the early 1970s, argued that Pebble Beach is a geographic term recognized by post office, the phone company and map makers. Company lawyer Louis Wolcher contended that Laub was exploiting the commercial value that the Pebble Beach Co. and its predecessors have developed since 1919. The firm has made no decision on whether to appeal the magistrate’s ruling, Wolcher said.