American Idol makes Brooklyn Senior Idol sponsor drop name
TV show’s lawyers warn local title violates trademark
The folks behind “American Idol” don’t like anyone co-opting the show’s name, even if it’s done in tribute.
A high-powered law firm representing FremantleMedia North America, the producers of “American Idol,” sent a letter to state Sen. Marty Golden, who sponsors an annual talent contest for older adults called “Brooklyn Senior Idol” to cease and desist using the term “Idol” in association with the borough-level competition.
The letter from the firm, Holmes Weinberg, PC, reads in part: “While our client appreciates your enthusiasm for the American Idol and Idol brands, as a federal trademark owner, FremantleMedia cannot allow the unauthorized use of the Brooklyn Senior Idol mark in connection with talent competition services. Cease using the Brooklyn Senior Idol mark in connection with your talent competitions and remove…any advertisements, promotions, signs, or other material containing the Brooklyn Senior Idol mark.”