L.A. Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier has had a mini replica logo of the famous Hollywood sign on his mask for the past two seasons. Clever? Sure. Unique? Yeah. An issue of trademark infringement? It can’t be, that sign is everywhere — right? Wrong. According to the Kings website Mayor’s Manor, the owner of the Hollywood sign’s trademark has informed Bernier that he has to either lose the logo or start paying royalties.
The NHL has been in contact with the folks who own the rights to the sign. While the word “Hollywood” itself is not trademarked, Puck Daddy pointed out that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce owns “certain trademark rights for usage of the sign or its likeness for commercial purposes.” Since Bernier is a professional athlete and is frequently on TV, that rule probably applies to him.
“I don’t understand,” Bernier said. “Guys here have been using the Hollywood sign on their masks going all the way back to Kelly Hrudey.”
Naturally, the Hollywood folks got their way. Bernier has ditched the Hollywood logo from his mask. The Man wins again.
H/T SI Hot Clicks
