Hollywood Sign Owner Cries Foul Over Ad Agency 'Infringement'

BB Hollywood, a new branded entertainment venture, finds that its own branding may run afoul of a Los Angeles landmark.

Lotman is the CEO of Global Icons, a licensing agency that represents the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The non-profit Chamber, as much of Hollywood knows, owns a trademark in the Hollywood sign – and they police it vigilantly.

“It’s an infringement of our trademark,” said Chamber president and CEO Leron Gubler, when asked about the BB Hollywood image. “This is not an isolated occurrence.”

This might all sound ominous for The Brooklyn Brothers, whose three partners are neither brothers nor from Brooklyn. A chat with agency head Guy Barnett made clear from his accent that he hales from England, in fact.

No doubt a quick settlement will allow the agency to focus on the new enterprise, which aims to create branded entertainment. It’s actually a joint venture between The Brooklyn Brothers and eight writers and producers: Ned Rice (“The Tonight Show,” “Politically Incorrect”), Mark Goffman (“White Collar,” “The West Wing”), Lester Lewis (“Madison High,” “The Office”), Rob Long (“Cheers”), Adam Kulakow (Les Miserables, Race to Witch Mountain), Danielle Uhlarik (“The Family Tools”), Paul Ruehl (“Hard Times of RJ Berger”) and producer Laylee Olfat (casting director and producer on Roger Dodger and Secret Lives of Dentists).

But about that logo. “It’s not a logo,” said Barnett. “It’s just a way to launch the company, a fun visual.”

“We won’t be so pleased if we get sued,” he added a bit nervously.

Read More: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/bb-hollywood-trademark-dispute-383648