In an article titled, The Upside of Intellectual Property Law’s Downside, Professors Christopher Cotropia and James Gibson discuss how IP’s downside, exclusion, can result in some positives or upsides. For example, so-called “copyright trolls” may be beneficial to society by shutting down and slowing the distribution of pornography. One relatively “hot topic” in IP law has been the presence and merits of so-called “trademark bullies”—ordinarily a well-resourced individual or large corporation, who uses overbroad trademark claims in a cease and desist letter with the effect of chilling speech, or stifling competition or creativity (for more on trademark bullying, see here and here). The target of the cease and desist letter usually capitulates in the face of the prospect of paying large legal fees.
Recently, an organization, Super Happy Fun America, set up a website to publicize its “straight parade.” In doing so, it also listed a group of companies that purportedly were either associated with the parade or were in negotiations to sponsor it. Apparently, the companies were not associated with or in negotiations with the parade in any way. A number of companies responded with cease and desist letters and one stands out. Adding to the fantastic list of creative cease and desist letters, an attorney at TripAdvisor sent a letter full of references to gay pride anthems. Do we have another example of an upside of intellectual property law? There doesn’t seem to be much free speech value in misrepresenting the relationship between one group and another—I guess I could find some comment here (that may eat up a fair bit of trademark law). Surely, this will squelch potentially harmful associations between entities. And, the added benefit of a creative cease and desist letter is the potential positive publicity and reinforcement of corporate values (at least in this case).
After receipt of the cease and desist letters, the organization is still using the marks with "Xs" on them (sometimes, but apparently with some advice of trademark and copyright counsel) and includes a nice list with reproductions of all of the cease and desist letters its received thus far, here (which includes apparently truthful statements about their relationship with those companies). Ultimately, it appears that free speech is a winner here--and intellectual property law did not stand in its way and, indeed, may have worked to eliminate confusion as to a "true and accurate relationship" and the messages are being heard. Here is a copy of the TripAdvisor letter:
Dear Mr. Hugo,
I am writing on behalf of TripAdvisor LLC concerning Super
Fun Happy America’s unauthorized use of TripAdvisor’s logo, as displayed on
your website at superhappyfunamerica.com/2019/07/09/corporate-sponsors/. I’m
Coming Out and saying this clearly: you are infringing upon TripAdvisor’s
intellectual property rights. Further, your statement that you are “in
negotiations” with TripAdvisor as a “potential sponsor” is completely false.
To be precise, your use of the TripAdvisor trademark and our
Beautiful logo infringes TripAdvisor’s trademark and trade name rights.
TripAdvisor’s trademarks are protected in many countries around the world and
Over The Rainbow, including in the United States under Registration Nos.
2727627, 3171193, 4612678 and 4454774. We have become a well-known brand for
our reviews of hotels, restaurants, experiences and even the occasional YMCA,
but we weren’t Born This Way – we obtained that recognition through significant
advertising and promotion since as early as 2000. As a result of the breadth of
the services it provides and its widespread renown, TripAdvisor enjoys
substantial rights in its mark and name.
Contrary to your claims,
TripAdvisor is not “in negotiations” with your organization for sponsorship of
its “Straight Pride Parade.” Similarly, we have not authorized you to use our
name or logo in any way. You Need To Calm Down – you are not sponsored by,
associated or affiliated with TripAdvisor in any way, and thus, your use of our
marks could confuse the public as to an affiliation with TripAdvisor. These
inaccurate statements, which I trust do not show your True Colors, infringe on
TripAdvisor’s rights under the Lanham Act, and impinge upon our Freedom! to
decide with what organizations we want to associate our brand. Have A Little
Respect and remove those statements. TripAdvisor and I Will Survive without
being associated with your event.
There is nothing Vogue or acceptable about making false
claims about others merely to support your own cause. If I Could Turn Back
Time, I would tell you not to use our name in the first place. But now that you
have, TripAdvisor demands that you remove all uses of our name, mark and logo
from your website (and anywhere else you might use it) within 24 hours and not
use them again. In other words, Black Me Out with an “X” on the above webpage. You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) disappointment
that you thought this might be an acceptable way to do business.
TripAdvisor is willing to resolve this matter amicably,
today, on the above terms. That said, if you Don’t Stop Me Now by taking the
requisite actions, TripAdvisor reserves all rights to take whatever enforcement
actions it deems appropriate, including – if necessary – taking legal action
against Super Fun Happy America, its principals, affiliates, or those acting in
concert with you. Finally, I likely am not Dancing On My Own here, as I suspect
the above arguments apply to most or all of the companies listed on the above
webpage.
Please know and Believe that we take this matter seriously
and look forward to your prompt compliance.
Sincerely,
Bradford Young
Vice President, Associate General Counsel
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