KROQ Wins Injunction Against Use of Its Handle

KROQ, the highest-rated radio station in Los Angeles, won a federal court injunction barring KRCK, a tiny upstart near the Salton Sea, from using its handle, “K-rock.”

U.S. District Judge Audrey B. Collins issued a 10-page opinion saying that KROQ, which has been using the “K-rock” moniker exclusively since 1985, would be irreparably harmed.

In granting a preliminary injunction, she said KROQ is entitled to relief from KRCK’s “trademark infringement, unfair competition and fraudulent business practices.”

KRCK, based in the remote desert town of Mecca, was launched in April by Sacramento-based Playa del Sol Broadcasters.

Jeffrey D. Wexler, KRCK’s lawyer, said the station stopped using the K-rock handle several weeks ago. He said he plans to confer with his client about whether to appeal the judge’s ruling.