My Rantings and Other Non-Sensical Thoughts

There's an Ice Cream Stand in Cambria County, PA called "Krispy Kream". It's been open with the same name since 1961. Recently, the owners, Jack & Christine Hoover received a letter from Krispy Kreme (the doughnut company) that they had to change the name of their business because of copyright infringement.

As Mr. Hoover states "We're well known for our ice cream, and we have a large sign in the front picturing a boy holding an ice cream cone, not a doughnut."

The spokeswoman for Krispy Kreme says "Unfortunately, this business is using a fully protected trademark, and we have to protect it. It can create confusion."

Confusion? They've been using the similar name for 43 years and you're just now finding out about it! Doesn't that kind of ruin the "it can create confusion" argument? I don't really take a stand between big business vs. small business, but for Pete's Sake! Let the people keep their name and back off.

posted by Chris O. @ 10/31/2004 08:47:00 AM