Paradise no longer

[Limeoutsider]

Paradise isn't lost but the cheeseburgers are gone.


AP Photo



Lawyers for singer Jimmy Buffett (news) gave a tiny roadside grill called Cheeseburgers 'n Paradise a choice: Change the name or face a trademark-violation lawsuit.


Owner Frenis Hoffman renamed the place Beef 'n Buns 'n Paradise this week, at least the second restaurant in two months to change its moniker under pressure from Buffett's lawyers.


"I'm feeling like a guppy in a tankful of sharks," Hoffman told The Frederick News-Post for a story published Thursday.


Lawyers for the famously laid-back singer accused the Hoffmans of using the name to ride the coattails of Buffett's 1978 hit, "Cheeseburger in Paradise," Hoffman said.


"I don't even care for his music," Hoffman said. "I like his lifestyle but not his music."


Buffett's representatives in Los Angeles didn't immediately return calls from The Associated Press.


Hoffman and his wife, Faye, opened their sandwich shop 10 years ago. Buffett launched his own chain of Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants in August 2002.

 

[QtipSoftness120]

ok😕

 

[milagros317]

It seems that Buffett not only makes songs that I don't like (such as Margaritaville), but also has his lawyers bully honest people who own restaurants. 🙁

 

[Knox The Hatter]

No matter how you slice it, it IS copyright infringement. Buffett owns restaurants with the same name, he had it first. Cut and dry.
This is different from Disney bullying Fiat into dropping the idea of naming their 500CC micro car the 'Topolino' (even though they marketed such a vehicle during the Mussolini years with that colorful nickname), because that's the name Mickey Mouse is called in Italy. "Little Mouse". Topolino.
I understand the sentiment, millionaire bullying small obscure businessman. However, the businessman has no legal leg on which to stand, period.

 

[P50]

I second Mr. Knox' view
(Or is it Mr. Hatter's view ?)

Anyway, try the facts on for size...

Jimmy Buffet acquired copyright in 1978

The copyright stands recognized across the country

Frenis And Faye Hoffman used the name in 1994

I think Jimmy Buffet wins by about 16 years.

I do not love or hate either Buffet or the Hoffmans.

I have three items on file with the copyright office.

I hope I'll get similar treatment if the need arises.

 

[TicklishSinner]

thats why copyrights are there wheather or not he liked his music that is his personal preference..I know I will feel the same when I open my own bar and I copyright my name for the bar I dont want anyone stealing my ideas

 

[His Divine Shadow]

'Tis his copyright, to do with as he pleases. The Hoffmans have no legal basis to use it, as previously stated.

 

[P50]

The Cheeseburgers From Hell ?


Cheeseburgers And Hades ?


Altered States Cheeseburgers ?


Life After Cheeseburgers ?


Area 51 Cheeseburgers ?


Credence Cheeseburger Revival ?


Dante's Cheeseburgers ?


Cheeseburger Inferno ?


Cheeseburgatory ?

 

[Knox The Hatter]

Murderburgers, Incorporated...or how we used to view the fare at the Navy Exchange...