Comedians forced to change name of Show over possible trademark infringement

Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees (provided that such authorization was within the scope of the licence). Infringement may occur when one party, the "infringer", uses a trademark which is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark owned by another party, in relation to products or services which are identical or similar to the products or services which the registration covers- Wikipedia

Choose your own comedy adventure, Image Credit-abeckettking.com

Choose your own adventure, Image Credit- Gizmodo

UK based comedians-Barry Ferns and Alasdair Beckett-King had made plans to perform an interactive hour called Choose Your Own Comedy Adventure. However, US-based publishers of the Choose Your Own Adventure book series which is making a film that will allow audiences to choose what happens next via an app on their smartphones., who have licensed the format for their show out to Fox Movie studio, quickly reacted stating that the title was an issue for our legal team’.

The comedy duo were contacted by associate publisher Melissa Bounty who politely requested that they change the name, pointing out:’ We maintain the trademark. As the mark has been used exclusively in coordination with the book series and related licenses, we must be very careful in monitoring outside uses.’‘Usually, people are completely unaware that the phrase is trademarked and that a use without permission can cause dilution of the trademark, making an issue for our legal team.’

In response to the above, Ferns denied there could be any confusion between his show and the books, saying: ‘Our show is very much comedy adventure, the onus on comedy,   which I wasn’t aware that the Choose Your Own Adventure books were. Though perhaps they are against anyone choosing any adventure unless they are paid for the privilege.’

However the comedy duo came up with another title that doesn’t infringe copyright law:  Barry and Alasdair's Non-Trademark-Infringing Comedy Adventure (Where the Audience Chooses)

News Source- Chortle