Intellectual Property Law

?Legally Dead? (attorney Hal Kant?s Business Card)

By Lee.Gesmer

From the SF Chronicle’s obit of Hal Kant, aka “the Czar”, long-time attorney for the Grateful Dead:

When Ben & Jerry’s ice cream produced a new flavor, Cherry Garcia, in the early ’90s, McNally wrote in his book, the company did so without even discussing the idea with Garcia. Although Garcia was unconcerned when it was first brought to his attention - “At least they’re not naming a motor oil after me, man,” he said - Mr. Kant convinced him that the issue should be addressed.

As recounted by McNally, Mr. Kant told Garcia: “They will name a motor oilafter you if you don’t confront this, Jerry. You’ll have no control over your name at all.”

Garcia finally told Mr. Kant, “If it bothers you, go ahead.”

“In the next few years,” McNally wrote, “Jerry would have no problems in spending the large sum of money he’d earn thanks to the letter Mr. Kant wrote (to Ben & Jerry’s).” … Continue Reading

Full post as published by Mass Law Blog on October 27, 2008 (boomark / email).