Louisville, Kentucky-based author Patrick Weinsink received a cease and desist letter from Jack Daniel’s Properties this week, telling the author that his cover art for Broken Piano for President “closely mimics the style and distinctive elements of JACK DANIEL’S trademarks.”
Weinsink shared the letter on his blog, in which Jack Daniel’s trademark attorney Christy Susman wrote: “We are certainly flattered by your affection for the brands, but while we can appreciate the pop culture appeal of Jack Daniel’s, we also have to be diligent to ensure that the Jack Daniel’s trademarks are used correctly.”
Susman asked Wensink to change the cover design and even offered to help pay for the new design. In his post, the author wondered if this may be “the most polite cease and desist ever written.”
Weinsink has more on his blog: “In case you’re wondering, no, my publisher, Lazy Fascist Press, will not be taking them up on their offer. We’re proudly independent and don’t need any of that sweet corporate booze money to redo the cover.”