THE OFFICE's Dunder Mifflin Is at the Center of a Trademark-Infringement Lawsuit at NBCUniversal
Fans of The Office immediately know the name Dunder Mifflin when they hear it, as it’s the name of the company at the center of the workplace comedy, and it’s referenced often throughout the series. Fans have merchandise with the fictitious company including shirts, magnets, notepads and so much more, but the name is now at the center of a trademark-infringement lawsuit at NBCUniversal.
The show ran for nine seasons, from 2005-2013, and it continues to gain more viewers and lifelong fans in syndication and streaming. So who owns the rights to the trademark, and in turn the merchandise, has a lucrative business going, and that should fall to the studio who created it, NBC. Instead, NBCUniversal is suing a company it calls a “trademark squatter” for the alleged fraudulent trademark registration of Dunder Mifflin.
The suit filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleges that Jay Kennette Media Group and its owner, Jay Kennette, “built a business based on registering trademarks belonging to others” in order either to sell the marks back to their rightful owners or to profit from “consumer confusion” by offering branded merchandise associated with a popular TV show, movie or videogame with which it has no legitimate connection.
According to the lawsuit, the defendants registered the Dunder Mifflin name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office about six years ago in order to market hoodies, shirts, jackets and other apparel. NBCU says it tried to register the faux company’s name in 2020, but its application was rejected. NBCU is appealing that decision.
The lawsuit aims to end Jay Kennette Media’s use of the Dunder Mifflin name and to destroy any remaining branded merchandise. The plaintiffs — NBCUniversal Media LLC, Universal Television LLC and Universal Studios Licensing — also seek unspecified damages and any profits already derived from sales of the merchandise.
It’s pretty gutsy to buy up a name like this with the intent to make a substantial profit and not think you were going to get caught. I hope NBC does get the rights back where they belong.
The Office is available to watch on Peacock, complete with Bonus Footage and Super-Sized Fan Episodes.
via: Deadline