New Walking Dead lawsuit rocks merchandise industry.
Since, The Walking Dead started filming in Georgia it has helped boost the local economies of small cities and counties surrounding Atlanta, Georgia. One city in particular that has benefited from The Walking Dead is Senioa, Georgia. There are several tour companies and restaruants based around The Walking Dead franchise. However, a new lawsuit may put the future of businesses using The Walking Dead’s name in jeopardy.
Outside the hustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia there is The Waking Dead Cafe in Senoia, Georgia. According to their Facebook Page, “We are the Waking Dead Café. We serve coffee and specialty treats with a Walking Dead flair.”
Come grab a can of our new whole bean coffee! Available in-store only for the moment.
Posted by The Waking Dead Cafe on Friday, September 18, 2015
The Waking Dead Café now sells King of Pops! Come help us support an awesome local business. You guys seriously have to…
Posted by The Waking Dead Cafe on Saturday, May 23, 2015
But, the creator of The Walking Dead is presumably pissed off and is suing a group of people for abusing his series’ trademark to sell mugs, cigarillos and even start a restaurant franchise.
TMZ recently reported that Robert Kirkman is taking legal action against five people who are illegally representing The Walking Dead for their personal gain. The full lawsuit brings attention to merchandise using TWD logo and likeness in a ton of different products.
One company in particular is a New Jersey restaraunt that opened under the name The Walking Dead.
Given this unwarranted use of his property, Robert Kirkman reportedly demands that the impacted defendants pull the infringing materials from sale. All profits made from the products are exepected to be given directly to Robert Kirkman.
Robert Kirkman has created one of the biggest and most watched TV shows in recent history with The Walking Dead. According to reports, via TV advertising alone AMC networks makes $11 million per episode.
The Walking Dead comic was first created in 2003 and since then has created into an empire with two several TV shows, video games, a web series and a potential movie. Licensed merchandise is also a major money earner. But, people have decided to tap into The Walking Dead franchise by stealing the name and likeness for their own personal profit.
The Walking Dead season 6 returns to AMC on February 14, 2016.
What do you think of Robert Kirkman’s law suit? Would you go to a store based on The Walking Dead? Let us know and leave us a comment below!
Edit: Added corrections to article.
