US basketball superstar Larry Bird claims the proprietors of a bed-and-breakfast operating in his former home are ripping off his name.
The former Boston Celtics hero and member of the original US Dream Team alleges that Georgianna Lincoln and Christopher Cooke’s Legend of French Lick Resort in Indiana has infringed his trade mark in the nickname Legend, and that they are illegally profiting from his name by advertising the establishment as his former home.
In the US, as in Australia, the owner of trade mark has the exclusive the right to its use. If, as it appears, Lincoln and Cooke have used it without authorization, they will be liable.
Just because the pair own Bird’s former home doesn’t mean they can use his name – that could be seen as trading on his reputation or implying that he is involved in or endorses their business.
Nicely designed blog
Thanks Rowen