Seems odd that a patent lawyer is being involved in a trademark dispute. Also, given the fact that he didn't make any money off it, I severely doubt that it would ever go to court.
Trademark disputes (unlike copyright and patent disputes) are often and need not be about money. US trademark law also has a fun "use it or lose it" provision that requires trademark holders to actively defend their mark.
If you ask me, I'd bet that it's because the brand behind the 'concerned' trademark is up to something and they are just doing their homework.