NBC Sues 'Trademark Squatter' Over Rights to The Office's Dunder Mifflin
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Ed Helms, Rainn Wilson, and John Krasinski in The Office (Photo: NBC/Everett Collection)Dunder Mifflin is under new management, and NBC is not happy.
According to Deadline, NBCUniversal is suing what it calls a "trademark squatter" for the alleged fraudulent trademark registration of The Office's fictional paper company, Dunder Mifflin.
The suit was filed on Friday and claims that Jay Kennette Media Group and its owner, Jay Kennette, "built a business based on registering trademarks belonging to others." After doing so, the company either sells the trademarks back to their rightful owners or profits by selling branded merchandise for a popular TV show, movie, or video game.
Jay Kennette Media Group registered the name Dunder Mifflin with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office about six years ago, and in that time has marketed hoodies, shirts, jackets, and more merchandise. NBCUniversal did not notice until 2020, when it tried to register Dunder Mifflin and the application was rejected. The media company is currently working to appeal that decision.
NBCUniversal's lawsuit seeks to end Jay Kennette Media Group's use of the Dunder Mifflin name and have them destroy any remaining branded merchandise. The company is also seeking unspecified damages and any profits made from past sales of the merchandise.
The Office is currently streaming on Peacock.
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Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.
TOPICS: The Office (US), NBC, Peacock, NBCUniversal International