Just found this on the MD forums and found it interesting. First they ruin this year's O and now they shit on the fans even more. It's bad enough bodybuilding has such a small audience and now they want to limit their exposure (which they are getting free!). Bob what the hell's going on?
Senior Corporate Counsel
October 17, 2007
Via E-mail: matt.patenaude@****.ca
Matt Patenaude
******* Gorge Road East
Victoria, British Columbia V9A 6W3
Canada
Re: Infringement of the Olympia Trademark
Dear Mr. Patenaude:
I am writing on behalf of Mr. Olympia LLC, a joint venture company, owned and operated by IFBB Olympia Holdings Inc. (“IFBB”) and American Media Operations Inc. (AMI).
Mr. Olympia LLC is the exclusive licensee of the following trademarks: the federally registered service marks Mr. Olympia and Ms. Olympia; and the common law service marks Fitness Olympia, Figure Olympia and Olympia Weekend (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Olympia Trademarks”). The Olympia Trademarks are used in connection with the internationally renowned annual bodybuilding contest Olympia Weekend. Moreover, Mr. Olympia LLC promotes the Olympia Weekend on its website, mrolympia.com.
It has recently come to our attention that seriousmuscle.net is exhibiting footage using the name “Mr. Olympia” on YouTube™. Your use of this name infringes and dilutes the Olympia Trademarks, constitutes unfair competition, and is likely to cause confusion in the minds of consumers as to the source of origination of Mr. Olympia.
Mr. Olympia LLC is not interested in taking legal action against you if we can resolve this situation more simply. Mr. Olympia LLC requires that you cease and desist the usage of the Mr. Olympia name, or similar names to any of the Olympia Trademarks. Please confirm in writing that you will agree to resolve this matter as requested. If we do not receive confirmation from you by October 31, 2007, we will have no choice but to pursue all available remedies against you.
Very Truly Yours,
All names deleted...