Complaint to Protect Trademark and Intellectual Property from Unlawful Use

by JP Fielder

From Dow Jones Newswires:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Monday filed a civil suit in a federal court against the group called the "Yes Men" for a fake press briefing the group held last week at the National Press Club. The Chamber alleges in the complaint the Yes Men used its copyrighted emblem for a fraudulent press release, conference and Web site, in violation of trademark law. Acting as representatives of the Chamber, the group falsely said the Chamber had switched its position on climate change policy. The group has claimed responsibility for a raft of public hoaxes on other companies in recent years. Following the stunt, the Yes Men launched for theatrical release in the U.S. a movie about their exploits.

And our statement:

"The Chamber is a strong proponent of free speech and encourages public debate on issues of the day," said Steven Law, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  "However, the law is clear that you can't misappropriate others' intellectual property for personal financial gain."
 
"The defendants are not merry pranksters tweaking the establishment.  Instead, they deliberately broke the law in order to further commercial interest in their books, movies, and other merchandise.  Ironically and unfortunately, this lawsuit might even help in that regard, but these acts are nothing less than commercial identity theft masquerading as social activism and must be stopped.
 
"We are confident that we have strong legal claims and that this is an appropriate response to protect our intellectual property rights."

A copy of the civil complaint can be found here.

Comments

[Ben]

They should've taken lessons form the chamber on immoral but legal ways to further "personal financial gain". Buying politicians comes to mind as an effective strategy.