Answering Service Sues SBC Over Name

SBC Communications Inc., the biggest seller of local phone service in California, was sued by an answering service that alleged SBC was wrongfully trying to block it from using the name “LaBell.”

LaBell Exchange, a 28-year-old company that offers voice mail and a call center, alleges that SBC threatened a trademark-infringement suit and at various times cut off Santa Ana-based LaBell’s phone lines.

LaBell’s suit, filed Wednesday in federal court in Santa Ana, seeks more than $679 million in damages.

Shares of San Antonio-based SBC fell 46 cents to $23.14 on the New York Stock Exchange.