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Cheap-ass EVG Photoshopping]
In which we will learn about section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 USC 1125(a).
It's all about the "I [coffee cup] N Y" logo that Everyman Espresso on East 13th Street has been using these past few years.
The New York Times has the story.
Then, last month, came the letter from agents for the state’s Department of Economic Development.
It said, "Everyman Espresso’s unauthorized and confusingly similar use of the I ♥ NY® logo" violated federal trademark law and implied "a misleading designation of source, origin, endorsement, sponsorship or approval by the New York State Department of Economic Development of your merchandise."
So the Everyman owners ditched everything with the logo.
That wasn't enough for the state, whose attorney is requesting "an accounting of all gross revenues generated during the period when the I ♥ NY® Trademark was used" to establish Everyman Espresso's penalty.
The reaction from Everyman co-owner Sam Penix: "Basically, it's extortion. It's also ironic because
we are being threatened by the entity that has vowed to grow our New York business."
Read the whole article
here.
