Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Tue, Feb 07 2006
Stitch And Bitch or Stitch & Bitch or Stitch 'n Bitch or even Stitchin' Bitch: Trademark Wars
We used the term "stitch and bitch" decades ago. We didn't add the word "cafe" behind the phrase. One company is now claiming a trademarked use of such a phrase, and possibly variations of that phrase, and the news is that the company seems to be turning a lot of very formerly-supportive knitters into former customers.
I don't sew or knit. But I do write, and know that this particular company's claim that "no other usage of Stitch & Bitch ever occurred before the first Friday evening gatherings..." is very badly worded. I hope their legal counsel urges them to rephrase that sentence, because, as it is written, it simply isn't true. Perhaps they meant to use the phrase "Stitch & Bitch Cafe". I don't know.
The legal implications of all this bitching are fetching a ton of free publicity for all involved—or at the very least a certain notoriety. And the trademark issue has dropped a stitch or two into internet sites such as individual Cafe Press stores and Yahoo Groups. At least one site, Free to Stitch Free To Bitch, has been passing out links to express basic unhappiness toward the company, which began issuing notices to other folks they believed were making use of their trademarked phrase.
Meanwhile, Debbie Stoller, who gave old-fashioned needle projects an edge and made needle crafts popular with young women (and men) in a sassy manner seems to be battling for her own use of terms like "Stitch 'n Bitch". Free to Stitch Free to Bitch now sells their own products at Cafe Press. Angry, blogging knitters are taking their fight underground in increasing numbers.
I never knew that knitters were so passionate about their craft. I hope everyone can resolve their differences and get back to great projects like these and these.
posted at: 08:19 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
We used the term "stitch and bitch" decades ago. We didn't add the word "cafe" behind the phrase. One company is now claiming a trademarked use of such a phrase, and possibly variations of that phrase, and the news is that the company seems to be turning a lot of very formerly-supportive knitters into former customers.
I don't sew or knit. But I do write, and know that this particular company's claim that "no other usage of Stitch & Bitch ever occurred before the first Friday evening gatherings..." is very badly worded. I hope their legal counsel urges them to rephrase that sentence, because, as it is written, it simply isn't true. Perhaps they meant to use the phrase "Stitch & Bitch Cafe". I don't know.
The legal implications of all this bitching are fetching a ton of free publicity for all involved—or at the very least a certain notoriety. And the trademark issue has dropped a stitch or two into internet sites such as individual Cafe Press stores and Yahoo Groups. At least one site, Free to Stitch Free To Bitch, has been passing out links to express basic unhappiness toward the company, which began issuing notices to other folks they believed were making use of their trademarked phrase.
Meanwhile, Debbie Stoller, who gave old-fashioned needle projects an edge and made needle crafts popular with young women (and men) in a sassy manner seems to be battling for her own use of terms like "Stitch 'n Bitch". Free to Stitch Free to Bitch now sells their own products at Cafe Press. Angry, blogging knitters are taking their fight underground in increasing numbers.
I never knew that knitters were so passionate about their craft. I hope everyone can resolve their differences and get back to great projects like these and these.
posted at: 08:19 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
