Some of you may have noticed that my sub-heading has changed to ‘Fair and Balanced’. A proverbial two fingers to Mr. Murdoch.
Dan Gillmor of the San Jose Mercury does a good job of covering the story. Author Al Franken is being taken to court by Fox for use of the phrase ‘Fair and Balanced’ in his new book. As Dan rightly notes:
Since Fox is neither fair nor balanced, the notion that these people could have won a trademark on the expression — which they did — is mostly testament to the continuing incompetence at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. But Fox’s lawsuit is entirely testament to the arrogance of Murdoch’s minions and the growing idiocy of the legal system.
So the phrase ‘Fair and Balanced’ is being claimed as Fox property. The Star Tribune has the story here.
Have a fair and balanced Friday.