Mattel slaps political podcast ‘Coffee with Ken’ – Business News
Mattel has filed a lawsuit towards a Washington, DC-based political podcaster – claiming bizarrely that audiences would possibly mistakenly affiliate his show with its Barbie franchise, The Post has discovered.
The toy giant has lodged a grievance with the US Patent and Trademark Office over “Coffee with Ken,” a YouTube show hosted by Ken Biberaj, a DC-based real estate government and former chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
The bi-monthly podcast – which options visitors like Sen. Joe Manchin, billionaire David Rubenstein, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr. – was granted preliminary approval for a trademark in 2023.
Ken Biberaj launched his podcast “Coffee with Ken” 5 years in the past. Youtube
“We strive to focus our topics at the intersection of the public, private and social impact sectors,” stated Biberaj, noting that the show now boasts 20,000 viewers per episode and hosts dwell occasions that may draw upwards of 200 attendees.
“I don’t think anyone expected a doll to interview a governor,” Biberaj informed The Post.
Nevertheless, Mattel insists that “Coffee with Ken” may create confusion about whether or not it’s related with Barbie’s squeaky-clean, beach-loving boyfriend, in accordance with court docket papers.
In specific, the El Segundo, Calif.-based company factors to its Ken Barista doll — a hipster with a man bun and an apron who pulls good espresso photographs — as proof of potential confusion.
The Ken Barista doll was discontinued. Mattel/Walmart
Nevertheless, Mattel insists that “Coffee with Ken” may create confusion about whether or not it’s related with Barbie’s squeaky-clean, beach-loving boyfriend, in accordance with court docket papers.
It’s “highly likely that a consumer will believe that [Coffee with Ken] could be the name of or related to a Ken line” of dolls, Mattel claimed in its submitting.
The Ken Barista doll is listed as discontinued on the official Barbie web site, though it’s nonetheless out there at Walmart.com.
Mattel — nonetheless using high on the blockbuster “Barbie” film the place Ryan Gosling performed a singing, rollerblading model of its beloved Ken — filed its objection in May, insisting “Coffee with Ken” would “damage” the model.
Biberaj ran for New York City Council in 2013 and his household owns the enduring Russian Tea Room in Midtown Manhattan. Getty Images
Meanwhile Biberaj, who ran for New York City Council in 2013 and whose household owns the enduring Russian Tea Room in Midtown Manhattan, claims Barbie’s large, deep-pocketed company dad or mum is just making an attempt to push him round.
“My actual name is Ken,” Biberaj informed The Post. “Mattel shouldn’t be able to block my trademark because of a doll.”
Legal specialists say Mattel could be overreaching.
Ryan Gosling as Ken within the 2023 Barbie film. Jaap Buitendijk
“Mattel could have difficulty sustaining its opposition,” stated trademark legal professional Brad Rose of Pryor Cashman LLP. “These are vastly different types of goods and audiences.”
Biberaj’s legal professional, Angela Gasperini Shin, referred to as Mattel’s swimsuit a traditional case of “trademark bullying.”
“They can’t own the name Ken outside of dolls and toys,” she stated.
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Mattel is a fierce protector of its logos.
The company beforehand battled a Bronx entertainer over his “Blac Ken” moniker and famously tried to sue the band Aqua over their raunchy ‘90s hit Barbie Girl — a case the Supreme Court refused to listen to in 2003.
Mattel has been a fierce protector of its Barbie trademark. ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection
More not too long ago, Mattel squared off towards Burberry, claiming its BRBY trademark sounded too close to Barbie. Burberry ultimately caved and dropped the appliance.
The “Coffee with Ken” case is in discovery and can ultimately go earlier than a trademark appeals court docket until its settled.
Mattel declined to touch upon the “Coffee with Ken” combat, citing “pending litigation.”
