Over several months, two former business partners have been sparring in court over, among other things, the usage of a former Charleston-based event production company's name.
Back in July of 2017, Charleston-area residents Jeffery Booth and Jared Kensky organized Blue Steel Promotions as a member-managed limited liability company in the State of South Carolina. According to court documents filed in the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, the pair were equal members of the company through 2023. During that time frame, the company organized social events like bar crawls and parties in the Charleston area.
In mid-2023, Booth and Kensky’s business relationship fell apart, and they began to discuss terms for their business separation and for dissolving Blue Steel Promotions. According to court documents, Booth alleges they agreed to dissolve the business and no longer use the Blue Steel name. Booth went on to create Red Devil Events, which has hosted events like the Barbie Party and Pickle Palooza.
In June of 2023, court documents say Kensky had organized and formed an entity called Blue Steel Productions, LLC, which Booth alleges has caused brand confusion as the name is similar to the original (Blue Steel Promotions). Blue Steel Productions has gone on to host several events including bar crawls and other parties.
According to court documents, Kensky has denied the claims.
The dispute remains ongoing in Charleston County court, where both sides continue to argue over the use of the Blue Steel name.