Big Business Bullies Blogger
12 March 2015
It's not everyday as a blogger you get to open email from a multi-million dollar national corporation threatening to take legal action against you.
You would think a company that owns over 50 radio stations coast to coast, a cable TV network, multiple websites and print publications would have better things to do. Apparently not.
The black and white photo of mine seen at the bottom of many of blog posts happens to be in front of a vehicle owned by the radio conglomerate. Most people probably never noticed -- my figure is what's prominently featured in the shot -- but in the background, if you pay attention, the 92 Q Jams logo can be seen.Of the four station cluster Radio One has in Baltimore, my voice has been heard on that one the least. I highly doubt anyone seeing the picture would misconstrue it to mean I was an employee or personality on the station. Quite frankly theirs isn't my core demographic and I have nothing to gain by association, intentional or unintentional.
I have many friends at Radio One, and for over seven years have had a business relationship with their stations. Appearing on numerous programs, both as a host/guest host on station owned shows and customized programming, this attack strikes me in a strange way.
Several years ago while at Radio One Baltimore on official business, my team wanted to take a picture. Numerous photographs were taken inside and outside the building. This is a customary practice of ours. It's part of our archival documentation process. It certainly isn't intended to imply any affiliation or ownership of a logo or trademark.
If anyone has contacts at Radio One legal department, be sure to let them know I don't take kindly to threats and won't be bullied or intimidated. By anyone!
Here is the full text of the nastygram dated 11 March, from Radio One corporate council out of headquarters in Silver Spring. It's interesting that it was the story of race based fear mongering in Bowleys Quarters that caught their eye.
Mr. MacArthur:
I am Associate General Counsel of Radio One, Inc. (“Radio One”) and an attorney for Radio One’s subsidiaries and affiliates including Radio One Baltimore. It has come to my attention that you are unlawfully infringing upon Radio One’s licensed trademarks, specifically trademarked logos, artwork, and monikers “92 Q Jams”, as displayed on your blog “The Baltimore Spectator: Beware of Bowleys Quarters…” (please see the image below).
Demand is hereby made that you immediately cease and desist from infringing upon Radio One’s licensed marks, absent which legal action will be taken against you for injunctive relief and damages, including punitive damages for intentional infringement. Be guided accordingly.
Jana L. Taylor, Esq. | Associate General Counsel | Radio One, Inc.
1010 Wayne Avenue | Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
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Occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
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