Brothel can keep Mustang Ranch name

RENO, Nev. – The infamous Mustang Ranch brothel has been cleared to operate under its famous name, 18 months after it reopened for business at a new location.

A federal judge ruled that the exclusive owner of the Mustang Ranch trademark is Lance Gilman, who bought the gaudy pink stucco buildings that once housed the bordello in 2003 and moved them a short distance next to his Wild Horse Adult Resort & Spa east of Reno.

U.S. District Judge Edward Reed Jr.’s decision Friday went against rival brothel owners David and Ingrid Burgess, who sued Gilman over the trademark to the brothel in January 2004.

A pink-colored sign featuring the Mustang Ranch name and logo – a lady with flowing hair – went up at the brothel along Interstate 80 shortly after the judge’s ruling was made.

Because he had been barred from using the Mustang Ranch name until the lawsuit was resolved, Gilman had reopened it with the generic name World Famous Brothel.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” Gilman said. “It’s euphoria to have the most famous brothel name in the world. That name is so well-known worldwide. The Mustang Ranch rides on.”