June 04, 2003

Apparently, the name "That Loudmouth Knicks Fan Race-Baiting Midget Brother TV" was already trademarked...

AP: Spike Lee Sues Viacom on Cable Name Plan
(Seen on The Daily Rant, where the Carville and Matalin of the Blogopshere hold virtual court.)

You've got to be kidding me. What a load of tangling-up-the-legal-system-for-free-publicity crap.

Filmmaker Spike Lee has sued Viacom Inc. over plans to rename its TNN cable channel Spike TV as part of its campaign to attract male viewers. In court papers filed Tuesday, Lee asked for an injunction against Viacom's use of the name, saying he had never given his consent for it to be used.

"The media description of this change of name, as well as comments made to me and my wife, confirmed what was obvious — that Spike TV referred to Spike Lee," Lee said in court papers.

The judge directed Viacom to explain why it shouldn't be barred from using the name.

...

According to Lee, TNN's president, Albie Hecht, has said the public associates the name 'Spike' with Lee.

When I think Spike, I think Spike Jones. Goon Show fans think Spike Milligan. Spike Lee doesn't come in third place with me... I then think of Elvis Costello's album with "Veronica" on it.

But then, I'm white and listen to weird things.