Did he actually think that he could get away with it???

http://www.wxii12.com/news/10301911/detail.html

"A Wisconsin man who changed his name to Andy Griffith to run for sheriff is being sued by the television actor.
A suit filed in federal court said the former William Harold Fenrick changed his name to get more votes and asks the court to order him to change it back.
Fenrick changed his name to Andrew Jackson Griffith in May. He said he didn't profit from the change.
He gave away all of his campaign items bearing the name -- and he lost the election.
Fenrick, an independent, got about 1,200 votes. Republican Sheriff Keith Govier was re-elected Tuesday with almost 8,500 votes.
Jim Cole, a lawyer for the actor, said the suit isn't personal. But if Andy Griffith doesn't protect his name under trademark law, he loses his rights."

I think you can change your name to whatever you want. I've heard of people changing their name to God.
It is pathetic way to try and win though. He sounds more like a barney fife.

If I change my name to Darth Vader, would anyone be afraid?

Wasn't there a guy who legally changed his name to Ronald McDonald? And Andy Griffith must be a common enough name.

If the guy had changed his name to Andy Taylor, well, then I could understand the lawsuit.

If I change my name to Darth Vader, would anyone be afraid?
Those cinnamon-roll ears make you look more like Princess Leia.

Wasn't there a guy who legally changed his name to Ronald McDonald? And Andy Griffith must be a common enough name.

If the guy had changed his name to Andy Taylor, well, then I could understand the lawsuit.Are you referring to Andy Griffith's TV character or the former Duran Duran/Power Station guitarist?

I heard of a small mom-and-pop restaurant in Scotland called McDonald's, which was sued by McDonald's Corp. and forced to change its name, even though the family that owns it is named McDonald!

BTW, I once bought some model kits from some guy in Arizona named James Taylor. So far as I know, James Tayor the singer-songwriter hasn't sued him.

I guess Floyd the barber will sue Pink Floyd next.

I used to have a pink T-shirt with a picture of Floyd The Barber on it.

Are you referring to Andy Griffith's TV character or the former Duran Duran/Power Station guitarist?...
Griffith played Sheriff Andy Taylor.

I know that. I was being facetious. :)

(I know, sometimes it's hard to tell if one of us is being serious or just pulling everyone's collective leg.)

And then there was that silly business with Spike Lee and Spike TV. . .

Getting Spike Lee and Spike TV mixed up is like mixing up Spike Lee and Bruce Lee.

Or Bruce lee and Lee Van Cleef...
http://www.tomsimpson.org/images/masterninja.jpg

which one is pictured?????

- GJS : ^ )

Jim Cole, a lawyer for the actor, said the suit isn't personal. But if Andy Griffith doesn't protect his name under trademark law, he loses his rights."


the lawyer is correct. you cant knowingly let infringment slide, or your ownership is nullified.

in this case, the wannabe politician was obviously trying to crib griffith's image and reputation (a pretty cynical and low move which in and of itself proves that he is nothing like that image) so i cannot blame griffith at all.

If I change my name to Darth Vader, would anyone be afraid?

We're already afraid of you, Lloyd--but not for the reasons you think :p

To quote myself quoting the lawyer; "But if Andy Griffith doesn't protect his name under trademark law, he loses his rights." But isn't that his real name? Or is it just a stage name?

In my home town someone moved in who had the same name as me. People got confused. Should I have ordered him to change his name, as I was the 'original'?
The Original Terryr.

In my home town someone moved in who had the same name as me. People got confused. Should I have ordered him to change his name, as I was the 'original'?Not unless both of you were members of the Screen Actors Guild. (Stewart Granger was born James Stewart; he had to change his name because there already was a James Stewart.) Actually, if someone is deliberately impersonating you with intent to defraud, or if someone is profiting from the use of your name, image or likeness without your consent, I believe you have a case for issuing a cease-and-desist order and/or filing suit. IS THERE A LAWYER IN THE HOUSE?

IS THERE A LAWYER IN THE HOUSE?

God, I hope not!