 Eric “the Cyberlawyer” Menhart |
EFF – January 18, 2008:
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Menhart is the author of a blog about cyberlaw issues called, logically if not innovatively, “Cyberlawg.” (As he says in the top right corner, “Cyberlawg = Cyberlaw + blog.”) And he is “principal attorney” in a firm called “CyberLaw P.C.” OK, OK, we get it, he practices technology law. Based on this, he’s applied for a trademark on the use of the term “cyberlaw” in connection with the practice of, um, cyberlaw. That’s like a soda company claiming a trademark in the use of the word soda in connection with the sale of soda. Or an apple farmer claiming a trademark in the use of the term apple in connection with the sale of apples. Or … well, you get the picture.
What is worse, he’s threatening other lawyers with legal action based on this silly “mark.” Menhart has demanded that attorney Michael Grossman change the title of his blog about technology law, “CyberBlawg.” Presumably Stanford’s Center for Internet and Society, with its Cyberlaw Clinic, as well as the Berkman’s Center for Internet and Society, and Elliot Zimmerman’s blog, CyberLaw.info, are in Menhart’s sights as well.
Menhart has demanded that attorney Michael Grossman change the title of his blog about technology law, “CyberBlawg.”
I love it when they start eating their own kind. Wouldn’t it be nice if they all sued each other and left real people alone?
I would say that more research is indicated.
Research into how some individuals come to be born totally lacking any trace of ethics, conscience or shame, that is.
Earliest use of Cyberlaw in newsgroups (halfway down, 8.4.16.)… 1993… that’s way before Mr. Menhart even entered George Washington University as a law student. It’s sick that people can trademark words that were coined by someone else.
Not only is he going to be unsuccessful in his trademark claim — he is going to get his business name and image splashed all over! Starting with this post! That will surely teach him not to try blatant self-promotional stunts.
This primate is a good example of why people hate lawyers. A computer and a printer can create any kind of diploma you want from where ever you want. It’s also an obvious cry for attention,”Look at me, I’m stoooopid!”.