Bernier's mask with Hollywood sign last year (left) and taped over last night (right) - photos: M. Zampelli
We have an update on yesterday’s story – where former LA Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey stopped by to talk about Jonathan Bernier being told he can no longer use the Hollywood sign on his mask without paying royalties…
In the past 24 hours MayorsManor has been in touch with a few different law firms and we were prepared to present multiple legal opinions on the possible copyright or trademark infringement issue, how Hrudey’s ‘Hollywood’ themed mask from the early 90’s may have helped any case Bernier had and other interesting points to the developing story.
However, things have taken a different turn. Earlier this afternoon we spoke with Christine Sovich of Global Icons, the counsel/agency representing the trust overseeing the Hollywood sign and the Chamber of Commerce in these types of matters.
According to Sovich, whose company also represents brands like Ford, Cold Stone Creamery and Motorola, the entire thing – in part – was a misunderstanding on their side.
“This has now been brought to my attention and we’ve looked into it further,” she began. “The Chamber has no objection to the use of it in that nature (referring to Bernier’s use on his mask). Therefore, a letter has already gone out – prior to me calling you back – letting them know…that we apologize for the inconvenience of the original letter. The Chamber has no objection to the use. He can continue to use it that way.”
She went on to say that the information initially provided to her office, which provoked the first letter, appears to have been incorrect. “The scope of the use, or the extent of the use, was (thought to be) much larger and one that would be requiring the approval or permission of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. We needed more information from the LA Kings to determine its use. That would then determine if it was a gratis permission use (royalty free), which the Chamber does often, or if it would have required some type of permission or license fee.”
Sovich also shared that her office received calls and emails after people had read the initial article on MayorsManor yesterday. That’s what prompted her to pull the file and see all the information. She stated that it’s not their intention to ever send a letter to an individual using the logo on their helmet. “Obviously, we needed to understand how it’s being used because it is (the Chamber’s) trademark. We’re charged with making sure people aren’t out there infringing upon it. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization and it exists to promote the city. Also, with the trust, the monies they do make from licensing or merchandising goes to upkeep and maintain the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame…However, after getting more information, it appears it’s only being used on this one individual’s helmet…if we would have known that, a letter would not have gone out…the Chamber has no issue with this.”
We’ll have to see if Bernier peels the ‘Kings’ sticker off his helmet before tomrrow’s game vs. St Louis.
Either way, he’s free to go Hollywood again.
NOTE: To read the original article, a story reported first by MayorsManor, click here.
Nice to MayorsManor was able to get involved and find a resolution.
So basically they were getting too much negative press and didn’t like the possibility of having to go up against a behemoth like AEG. Stay classy HWCOC.
Good Job Mayor!!! Thanks for you hard work!
You’re welcome, Bernier.
At this point I say drop it. They acted out of spite and were being ridiculous when JB was simply following a tradition among Kings goalies. For that, he gets the CoC up his rearend over it. I say go without the sign to prove a point.
Whiskeypete, I respectfully disagree.
Although that might be my first visceral reaction of spite, I think it would look and be childish and silly to do that.
They did something stupid and silly and made an issue out of nothing. Then later dropped it. It would only be stupid and silly to tender their initial position by keeping it covered up. He ought to take the high road and let this whole thing go, now that the CoC is ready to.
Let’s all move on, and beat the Blues.
” The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization and it exists to promote the city. ”
That’s a limited slice of the truth. In reality, a Chamber of Commerce is closer to a cross between a Political Action Committee (PAC) and a particularly selfish and shortsighted businessman.