If you are a fan of the performing arts, it would be hard not to possess at least a tangential knowledge of Tyler Perry. He’s written or had a hand in numerous plays, movies, books, and television series, almost all with his name prominently featured in the title to draw fans in. Unfortunately, his endeavor into realm of trademarks in media has landed him into a bit of legal drama that he might rather his name not be attached to.
Perry was awarded the trademark to the phrase “What Would Jesus Do†by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in his battle with Kimberly Kearney, a former contestant on the VH1 reality series I Want to Work for Diddy. When Perry originally filed for the trademark in May 2008, Kearney had already made a filing on the phrase five months earlier with the intent to create a reality television show. When Kearney’s filing was published for opposition in 2010, Perry and his aptly-named Tyler Perry Studios challenged, claiming no use on the part of Kearney. Kearney and her lawyers argued that she had shared the program and title with Tyler Perry Studios and had solicited funding in the early stages of production and that Perry and his studio subsequently filed their trademark claim after learning of the show.
Continue reading “Trademarks in Media: Tyler Perry Wins Mark For “What Would Jesus Do””
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