A much-publicized campaign for DaimlerChrysler's Jeep Patriot on the theme "Choose Your Adventure" has run afoul of the company that owns the rights to the famous children's books published under a similar name: "Choose Your Own Adventure." Chooseco LLC has filed suit against DaimlerChrysler for trademark infringement, alleging the two slogans are so similar as to be virtually indistinguishable.

The "Choose Your Own Adventure" series, conceived by R.A. Montgomery and originally published by Bantam, has enjoyed success since the first edition appeared in 1979. There are a total of 185 different multi-narrative books that detail adventures ranging from "Journey Under the Sea" to "Rock and Roll Mystery" to "Secret of the Ninja." Many of the books weave educational content about history, natural science and different cultures into the reader-guided plot lines. There were also related series with content suitable for younger readers, Star Wars- and Disney-branded books and horror stories.

DaimlerChrysler's invitation to "Choose Your Adventure" concerned a comic-book narrative produced in collaboration with Marvel Comics. In it, users could submit their own dialogue and plot lines for a story unfolding online, centered on the Jeep Patriot. The winning submissions will be collected in a 28-page book due out this spring. It gives author credit to the most active, enthusiastic and talented contributors. Jeep plans to mail copies of the book to the first 100,000 people who register to participate.

The suit from Chooseco alleges that the DaimlerChrysler campaign is deliberately playing off the cachet enjoyed by the "Choose Your Own Adventure" brand with men in their 20s and 30s, a generation that grew up with the books. The Associated Press quoted Shannon Gilligan, president of Waitsfield-based Chooseco: "What we feel is that Jeep is trying to piggyback on the really positive associations of adventure and opportunity and choice that the former fans--the original fan base--had associated with "Choose Your Own Adventure." The suit also names BBDO Detroit Inc., Organic Inc., and Marvel Entertainment Inc. as co-defendants.

InfoWorld Ends Print Run

Three big titles have already closed in 2007--Premiere, Life and Child--with the latter two shuttering just this week. In a development that may have escaped notice, these venerable mass-market titles were joined by a lesser-known, but equally respected title: InfoWorld, owned by the IDG Group. Like Premiere and Child, InfoWorld is folding its print edition to be reincarnated as an online-only publication; the April 2 issue is scheduled to be its last. About 10 employees are being laid off as part of the transition to a primarily online and events brand.

Portfolio Launches Blogs with Mag

The April 16 launch of Portfolio magazine, a new business title from Conde Nast, will be accompanied by three new bloggers. Lauren Goldstein Crowe will cover fashion, Felix Salmon will take on money and finance, and Tim Swanson, formerly of Premiere, will cover entertainment news.

Meredith Names Berger As Fitness Publisher

Meredith Corporation has named Wendi Sanders Berger publisher of Fitness magazine, the company announced this week, replacing Lauren Buerger, who recently resigned. Berger's new responsibilities begin effective immediately. Previously, she was publisher of Child magazine, which Meredith is shuttering. She also served as the associate publisher of Elle, where she led the team covering the beauty category.

AutoWeek Names 3 Execs

AutoWeek has appointed Keith Crain Jr. as publisher, the company announced this week, while also appointing Tony Merpi publishing director and Tony Foster as advertising sales manager. All three are Crain Communications veterans, with Crain previously reporting for AutoWeek's sister pub Automotive News. Tony Merpi joined the company in 1976 for ad sales, and Foster followed in 1997 as a financial analyst.