Jimmy Buffett suing Six Flags for copyright infringement.

^ I bet these guys felt the same fate...
"Due to factors beyond our control..."
http://www.ferrethead.com/

The very fact that every single person in this thread knows that "parrothead" is a Jimmy Buffet thing is reason enough to pursue the suit.

I have to agree that IP is a delicate thing and unauthorized use of it can lead matters to quickly spiral out of control. If Buffett or his attorneys felt there was some kind of infrigement, I don't blame them for taking action.

Then again, I personally see a very limited connection here. Like the Six Flags spokesperson said, there will be no confusion and I doubt that the reputation and credibility of Buffett's IP stands to take any kind of hit as a result of this- after all, one is a club for kids at an amusement park and the other is a club for laid-back alcoholics that dream of being on Key West ;)

*** Edited 10/2/2007 2:58:16 PM UTC by Rob Ascough***

Hey, I am offended by that last remark.

I am NOT laid back!

If SF were to put together a boy-band called the Carrotheads, THEN I would see the point. Fact is, like SF (and Rob) said above, no one is going to get confused in any way that Jimmy Buffett's "empire" will be harmed in any way...

IMO...

*swings the gavel, case dis-missed*

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halltd said:
^ Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Carrothead is clearly trying to pan off of the parrothead recognition. Cheesehead is not. If they had the Bugs Bunnyhead club, I bet no one would have said anything.

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I see where you are coming from. Cheesehead, and Radiohead, and so on are not clubs. They are bands, or groups. This is club trying to make money off of people eventually.

I think Six Flags should win this lawsuit, and it's not because I'm on Six Flags side all the time. The two don't relate at all.

I have never heard of parrotclub in my life, and I'm sure the kids don't know the heck what that is. *** Edited 10/2/2007 3:11:16 PM UTC by Spinout***

If Buffett can sue Six Flags for "Carrothead", then a certain red-headed comedian probably has a case as well!

Jimmy Buffett may not have Disney's deep pockets, but from what I recall, he DOES have Disney's "protect at all costs" mentality. The difference to me is that Disney really DOES have something they need to protect...this just seems overzealous (not that he can't win, just not if it were MY court).

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this just seems overzealous (not that he can't win, just not if it were MY court).

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Agreed.

But, like Jeff was saying, it's about the intent to protect. Suing and losing is probably fine.

If he didn't sue and someone came along and did something else like this, but a even more similar (just by a little) to the point where is might actually cause confusion - if JB sued, they could cite the fact that he didn't sue in the previous 'equally close' case.

Right. It's basically about setting a precedent, and reminds everyone that they're watching.

I hate Jimmy Buffet. His songs are stupid in content and only slightly "catchy"(IMO). Maybe if he spent as much time writing good lyrics instead of suing, he might make a decent song.

No one will be confused between a kids' group and a group of people who worship some drunk who can't write music.

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Jeff said:
Is everyone here an intellectual property attorney now as well?

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Well not an *attorney* per se but... ;)
lata, jeremy

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No one will be confused between a kids' group and a group of people who worship some drunk who can't write music.

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Not really a fan myself, but I've been known to listen to a song or two.

From what I understand, JB is nothing like the guy he portrays. He's actually a smart businessman who created an image and a brand and sells a lifestyle to a certain segment of people.

He's making a lot of $$$ selling the idea of that laid-back, bohemian lifestyle to people who wish they could live it.

^"He's actually a smart businessman who created an image and a brand and sells a lifestyle to a certain segment of people.

He's making a lot of $$$ selling the idea of that laid-back, bohemian lifestyle to people who wish they could live it."

So....how's he any different than Scooter? ;)

LOL, seriously though, I understand he needs to sue to protect his interests, it's not at all unreasonable of him to do so. That being said, at most SF will have to change the name....how about "Elmer Fudd-ruckers"? :)

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rollergator said:
So....how's he any different than Scooter? ;)

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Jimmy's keeping it legal.

Someone moves in on Jimmy's territory and it takes it to the judge.

Scooter flies under the radar.

Someone moves in on Scooter's territory and he sends a soldier out to cap somebody. ;)

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Lord Gonchar said:

From what I understand, JB is nothing like the guy he portrays. He's actually a smart businessman who created an image and a brand and sells a lifestyle to a certain segment of people.

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Absolutely. He's marketed the hell out of himself and it paid off big time.

Good thing he didn't call his fans "coaster-heads" or you'd all be in trouble.

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Lord Gonchar said:
He's making a lot of $$$ selling the idea of that laid-back, bohemian lifestyle to people who wish they could live it.

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And we all know there's nothing more important than making a lot of money. ;)

I find it ironic he just built a Margaritaville here in the Turks & Caicos. Lets build a themed environment created to "replicate" the Caribbean lifestyle on a Caribbean island that already HAS that lifestyle. That makes a lot of sense to me. Don't take advantage of the local bars, restaurants or beaches - just make your own which feels like any of his others in the US. The only difference is you have a stunning view. Then again, that view was there regardless. :)

Believe it or not, Jimmy is a very rich man and his band/songs/cd's etc are only a very small part of that. Most of his millions were made in other investments...beyond his books, restaurants and bars.

Considering Parrotheads are a long standing club (I've been one since the mid 1970's) I can see the sense in filing suit to protect the name, especially considering Carrotheads are a club as well.

He doesn't need the money, that's for sure.