Katonah Votes to Battle Martha

In January, I blogged about Martha Stewart filing six federal trademark applications on the word Katonah. Katonah just happens to be the name of an affluent hamlet in Bedford Township, New York. It seems the Katonah Village Improvement Society voted yesterday to authorize the "trademark committee" to spend $200 toward opposing Martha's trademark applications. Heck of a deal, especially since the United States Patent and Trademark Office does not seem to have a problem with the trademark applications. The USPTO has already passed the four remaining trademark applications on toward publication.

According to the Lower Hudson Online, the president of the Katonah Chamber of Commerce, Ron Romanowicz, notes a concern whether Katonah business will still be able to use the village's name if the trademarks eventually register. I would say the best way to find out would be to authorize a $200 trademark opposition budget. You should have your answer shortly.

Brett Trout

Martha Stewart Katonah trademark trademark opposition

LucasArts Opposes Digg.com Trademark

LucasArts Entertainment Company (George Lucas' "Star Wars" company) has filed a trademark opposition against Digg Inc.'s attempt to register the trademark Digg for use in association with "providing online news and information in the field of technology, namely, computer games and computer enhancements for games." While Digg obviously deals with much more than video games, Lucas is apparently concerned that this use will lead to consumer confusion.

Back in 1994 LucasArts filed for registration of the trademark The Dig for a video game. Lucas does not want people mistakenly assuming Digg.com is affiliated with LucasArts. While opposition proceedings typically take a year or more to complete, with a Goliath like LucasArts in the fray I would look for the parties to settle the issue well before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board gets a formal crack at it. But who knows, Digg.com may just have a ball bearing and wrist rocket up its sleeve.

Brett Trout

lucasarts Star Warsgeorge lucas digg trademark trademark opposition the dig