Judge Denies Wall Street Journal Use of Name ‘California Journal’

A judge in Sacramento on Thursday barred the Wall Street Journal from using the name “California Journal” for its weekly package of Golden State business and financial news.

The order, issued by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Earl Warren Jr., came at the request of a monthly political magazine based in Sacramento, which has published under the name California Journal for more than 25 years.

The Wall Street Journal had published its “California Journal” feature on the past two Wednesdays on several pages inside its Marketplace section. The judge said the newspaper could continue to publish the feature but would have to find another name.

The order would become effective as soon as the magazine posted a $10,000 bond. The Wall Street Journal had asked that the bond be set far higher--$1.135 million.

“That is a smashing victory,” said California Journal Publisher Tom Hoeber. “We have won big.”

The order goes much further than a temporary restraining order that Warren issued last month. The first order prohibited use of the name on a section or separate publication, but did not bar the use of the name altogether.

Rick Wartzman, the Los Angeles- based editor of the newspaper’s new feature, said attorneys were reviewing the order with an appeal in mind. “My understanding is they will seek a stay of the order from the appeals court on an expedited basis,” Wartzman said.

Asked what name the newspaper might use next week if the order is not overturned, Wartzman said he didn’t know.