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.
Federal judge declines to order Trump officials to recover deleted Signal messages
The watchdog group American Oversight had asked a federal judge to order top national security officials to preserve any messages they may have sent on the private messaging app Signal.
Welcome to summer: U.S. braces for first significant heat wave of the new season
For many Americans, high humidity will make it feel in the triple digits. The National Weather Service is urging people to prepare to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat.
Trump says he’s close to ‘a Deal’ with Harvard, as judge grants injunction
Trump's Truth Social comments came as a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that would continue blocking the president's efforts to bar international students from attending Harvard.
Trump is no stranger to setting 2-week deadlines. Here’s how others have played out
Since his first term, Trump has promised action on everything from tax legislation to health care within a fortnight — only for his announcements to materialize months later or not at all.
A man is charged with attempting to kidnap Memphis Mayor Paul Young
Police say Trenton Abston, 25, came to Mayor Paul Young's home armed with a Taser. Officers allegedly found rope and duct tape in his car.
Voice of America gutted by Trump adviser Kari Lake
The Trump administration is slashing jobs at Voice of America's parent agency by 85%. Journalists who have risked their freedom to report for the broadcaster wonder what happens next.
