Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is going to court to prevent Ryerson University and Loblaw from keeping the Maple Leaf Gardens name for its new sports complex.
According to the Globe and Mail, MLSE is seeking an injunction to force the university to use a different name for the multi-purpose building that used to be the home of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ryerson is converting the historic building, located at the corner of College and Church streets, into a sports arena that will house a Loblaws grocery store on the ground level.
Loblaw Properties co-owns the building.
Court filings suggest the 2,500 seat venue will compete with the Air Canada Centre, the Maple Leafs' new home, for money-generating concerts and other events, according to the Globe and Mail.
MLSE owns the Maple Leafs, in addition to the Raptors and Toronto FC. The company claims the university's use of "Maple Leaf Gardens" is trademark infringement, according to the newspaper.
Loblaw bought the landmark building in 2004 and partnered with Ryerson in 2009, unveiling a plan to redevelop the site.
In addition to a supermarket, the building will house an athletic centre, basketball court and a hockey rink. The project's cost is being split by Ryerson, Loblaw and the federal government.
