I was speaking with a librarian who shared with me an email they received from an influencer "Julie Kaminski" who has trademarked the phrase "The Walking Book Club" or any derivative of that. Apparently she sent a cease & desist email to our local library, and other libraries, for their use of the term "The Walking Book Club" for their walking-based book club. Further she recommends the public library become an affiliate or license the term from her program instead.
I found myself incredibly disappointed that an Influencer who wants to "Engage your mind & body in a community of audiobook lovers in sneakers with coach & trainer," would first copywrite a semi-generic term like "The Walking Book Club" and further go after public libraries for their use of said common term. I would share with you a screen shot of the email and the trademark but I don't know how to link images here. Instead here's a copy/paste of the email for your interest. If you think this is a disgusting use of our trademark system and perhaps let her know through her channels.
I am reaching out to your organization because you are using and/or promoting the phrase 'The Walking Book Club,' which is currently a registered trademark and owned by Julie Kaminski. I'd like to highlight the exciting opportunity for you to become an official chapter of The Walking Book Club®. This allows you to be part of our global community with a health focus and provides you with the legal protection of our registered trademark. As the proprietor of this trademark, I am obligated to protect the intellectual property rights and ensure that “The Walking Book Club®” brand remains distinct and legally protected. That's why I'm extending the opportunity to join us officially. We aim to expand and bring more into our global community with a health focus. I hope you will consider becoming an affiliate/licensee of The Walking Book Club®. All global affiliates will be allowed to legally use the name while benefiting from our brand's support, recognition, and established reputation. As an affiliate or licensee, you will have access to our resources, marketing support, and the credibility associated with "The Walking Book Club."®
To discuss the option of becoming an affiliate or licensee and to understand the benefits and requirements involved, please contact me at [redacted email] or [redacted phone number]. I will be more than happy to provide further details and assist you through the process of becoming an affiliate.
Otherwise, we kindly demand that you take immediate action and cease using the name "The Walking Book Club."
Cease Using the Name: Please immediately discontinue the use of the name "The Walking Book Club"® in all forms of communication and self-identification, including but not limited to marketing materials, websites, social media, physical locations, products, and any other platforms or publications. Should you wish to continue your operations independently, we request that you you must immediately select a new name that does not infringe on our trademark. Ensure that the new name is distinct and does not cause confusion with "The Walking Book Club."®
We would prefer to resolve this matter amicably. Still, if you fail to respond in the affirmative to the above demands within 14 days, then we will exhaust our legal options to cease the infringement of our trademark.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in resolving this issue. I sincerely hope you will become part of the global expansion of "The Walking Book Club."® Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Regards Julie Kaminski, MA, NBC-HWC 💛 @TheWalkingBookClub
Again, I believe this is a horrible use of our copywrite system and she should be ashamed of herself for using legal means to hinder the public library mission.
by Teach_the_Way