What’s Next For “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” Trademark Debate?
The future of “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” is still up in the air. Last year, local design studio Yellowhammer Creative filed a trademark application for the phrase. They’ve used it on murals and t-shirts, and argue it’s become synonymous with their brand. When their application became public, many Birminghamians were outraged.
“It’s absolutely pathetic to see what this business is doing to hinder the redevelopment of Birmingham by claiming ownership of a slogan and design that predates the business itself!” said a commenter on Yellowhammer Creative’s Facebook page.
Yellowhammer maintains their intentions are honorable. “Our move to trademark the phrase came solely from a position of goodwill, to prevent others from bastardizing or haphazardly changing the phrase for their own gain,” said Yellowhammer founder Brandon Watkins at a community meeting in October.
Now three parties are petitioning Yellowhammer’s application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. LIV Apartment Partners, artist Erin Bodden, and REV Birmingham and the Birmingham Business Alliance (joint filers) are all trying to keep the phrase in the public domain. Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD joins WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley for an update on where the battle stands, and why Birmingham so often sees clashes between people and groups who, on the surface, seem to have the same goals and vision for the city.
What the cross-examination of one witness reveals about the Sean Combs trial
The prosecution pushed back on the defense's aggressive questioning of a former Combs employee, saying harassment of the witness might intimidate others taking the stand.
USDA says demand for sensitive food stamp data from states is on hold
The federal government told states to turn over names, birthdates, Social Security numbers and other sensitive data about food assistance recipients. Amid a legal challenge, the agency says the request is on hold.
The White House unveils the new official portrait of President Trump
Trump appears expressionless in the new presidential portrait, depicted against a dark, blank background.
Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting
President Trump is asking lawmakers to claw back the $1.1 billion in federal subsidies for public broadcasting that Congress approved earlier this year. His request also includes cuts to foreign aid.
In a break with Trump, Elon Musk calls the GOP megabill a ‘disgusting abomination’
Musk joined with GOP critics who say the multi-trillion dollar plan to enact the president's domestic priorities doesn't go far enough to cut federal spending.
Mark Hamill used to downplay his ‘Star Wars’ past. Now he’s embracing it
Hamill played Luke Skywalker, one of the most iconic heroes in movie history. His latest film, The Life of Chuck, is an adaptation of a Stephen King novella.
