October 22, 201510 yr An interesting story of a (legal) moonshine maker wanting to create t-shirts that has their name and logo on t-shirts. UK says it violates their trademark that apparently includes any use of the word 'Kentucky' on t-shirts. UK disputes trademark of 'Kentucky' on Kentucky moonshine distillery's T-shirts | Bourbon Industry | Kentucky.com "What they're saying is crazy; all I'm using is the name Kentucky," Fultz said Wednesday in a phone interview. "The only thing that we trademark was Kentucky Mist Moonshine ... we just wanted to sell our own shirts." Jason Schlafer, UK's director of trademark licensing, said the problem is that Kentucky Mist Moonshine is trying to register with the Federal Trademark Registry in the same category, Class 25, in which UK is registered. This category includes shirts and sweatshirts. "It's the registration in Class 25 that we object to," Schlafer said. "It is the obligation of a trademark owner to monitor the registry and ensure that marks that could dilute your registered mark don't register." Recently UK also sent a warning letter to a man in Ohio who wanted to register T-shirts that said "Kentucky Against the World." At fist glance it seems awefully broad. Legal beagles thoughts?
October 22, 201510 yr If this were the State of Kentucky trademarking the word "Kentucky" I could see some legitimate argument here. But this is the University of Kentucky. And, I'm totally against the University trademarking the State name, just like I would be against UL trademarking "Louisville".
October 22, 201510 yr So does that mean UK made a boat load of money off of "Gettin Lucky in Kentucky"???
October 22, 201510 yr It's insane that trademark was ever permitted to be registered. IP law really has gone completely off the rails in this country.
October 22, 201510 yr Don't people trade mark stuff all of the time that they have nothing to do with hoping to cash in later Example: Disney rushing to Trademark "Seal Team 6" after the Bin Laden raid? I for one think it is crazy that UK thinks they can stop people from putting the word Kentucky on a shirt. I blame the Lawyers and Accountants!!! :lol2:
October 22, 201510 yr If UK were to trademark a certain font, style, or logo of the word "Kentucky," I'd have no issue. However, when you look at the picture of that shirt in the article, University of Kentucky is one of the last things to come to mind. Insane.
October 22, 201510 yr I agree, crazy, totally don't support this type of trademark. Other than the State of Kentucky I don't see how anyone would even be able to trademark the word Kentucky. Makes no sense.
October 22, 201510 yr This is very UK of UK. Doesn't surprise me at all. Why do you say that? Have they been down this path before?
October 22, 201510 yr Why do you say that? Because the audacity of whoever at UK to think that they can trademark the word UK goes hand in hand with the overall arrogance associated with that University.
October 22, 201510 yr Because the audacity of whoever at UK to think that they can trademark the word UK goes hand in hand with the overall arrogance associated with that University. Care to offer any specific details?
October 22, 201510 yr @ColonelCrazy do you think state names should be able to be trademarked by anyone other than the state?
October 22, 201510 yr Care to offer any specific details? Do you really need any other details other than UK thinking they can trade mark the word Kentucky? :lol2:
October 22, 201510 yr Do you really need any other details other than UK thinking they can trade mark the word Kentucky? :lol2: Well, you made it sound as if this was one of many examples. Perhaps I misunderstood your point.
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