Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Have you heard of Revente's Last Call?
It is a Midlands store that donates all of its profits to a non-profit organization in Columbia.
Recently a global fashion giant has taken notice of this small clothing store but not in a way that one might hope.
Neiman Marcus has a outlet store called Last Call by Neiman Marcus, a name that has been trade-marked. Now, Revente's Last Call may have to make a change.
"This is a little tiny store that serves the community," said store owner Debbie McDaniel.
When McDaniel opened Revente's Last Call she didn't do it for a profit.
"This is a venture from my heart, this was not a business venture."
Since it opened two years ago the store has raised roughly $45,000 for The Women's Shelter in Columbia.
Kathy Riley is the Executive Director of the shelter and Patty Rosenfeld is the store manager.
"Everything we do is good," said Rosenfeld, "and for someone to send us something that threatened us just really upset us."
All three are passionate about fighting for women in need however, it looks like they are now taking on a fight of their own.
Friday, Revente's Last Call received a letter from Neiman Marcus stating that using the words 'Last Call' in their name is a trademark infringement.
"What we're fighting for is the name, and to keep our name," said Riley.
In part the letter from Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. reads, "We are willing to consider an amicable resolution, provided that you begin the process of changing the name of the store and contact us with a reasonable proposed timeline for doing so."
"That Neiman Marcus, the Neiman Marcus would go after a trademark on Revente's Last Call is almost so ludicrous you can't even imagine why they would waste the postage! " said Riley.
In the past few days hundreds have pledged their support for the Midlands store on facebook and several lawyers have offered their services free of charge.
"What we're fighting for is the name, and to keep our name," said McDaniel. "I've gotten emails from many other attorneys who are willing to help the one who has taken our case. He has contacted Neiman Marcus and we'll see where it goes from there."
News19 contacted Neiman Marcus about the letter. Vice President of corporate communications, Ginger Reeder, responded with the following statement.
"Neiman Marcus is the owner of the trademark Last Call and has used the mark continuously since 1993. As any business owner does, we have an obligation to protect our trademarks and we can not pick and choose where to do so. As we stated in our letter to Revente's Last Call, based on the nature of their business, we would be willing to consider an amicable resolution to this issue. We remain committed to that offer."
Lawyers from both sides are now in discussions and say they want to come up with a solution that makes everyone happy.
"I'm hoping we can keep our name because after two years, there is a lot of name recognition with Revente's Last Call," said McDaniel.