Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The contentious breakup between Ross Cellino and Steve Barnes has taken another turn. Barnes is suing Cellino over the formation of his wife's law firm, claiming Cellino is trying to dissolve the original partnership.
"It is because of the prosperity of Cellino & Barnes that Cellino & Cellino – self-proclaimed to be a personal injury law firm – has undoubtedly chosen to market itself with such a confusingly similar name, instead of trying to create its own brand," the suit claims.
Cellino's wife and two daughters are operating the firm and say there is no involvement of Ross Cellino. "We are confident the claim has no merit," says Annmarie Cellino, Ross' daughter. "The claims by Steve Barnes are a desperate attempt by Steve Barnes to unreasonably interfere with our representation of our clients and our right to practice law."
Annmarie Cellino goes on to claim Barnes is bullying her, her sister and her mother from practicing law under their family name.
Barnes' suit contends Cellino & Cellino infringes on the Cellino & Barnes name, as well as the phone number, 888-2020, variations on the original 854-2020 and 888-8888 number currently used by Cellino & Barnes.