Last week, ClickJefferson.com wrote about the NFL and their
attempt to stop local Restaurateur Phil de Gruy’s Phil’s Grill chain from
holding their annual “Burger Bowl” and giving out the “Lom-Burger Trophy”.
Despite de Gruy’s filing for a trademark for the names and
depictions, which are used as part of a charity event, NFL attorneys claimed
that the “Lom-Burger Trophy” and the “Lombardi Trophy”, given to the Super Bowl
champion, could be confusing.
Now, Louisiana Senator David Vitter (R-Metairie) is weighing
in.
In a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell, Vittter said
the NFL is being ridiculous.
"Come on – really? The entire Burger Bowl contest is obviously
done in good fun at Phil's Grill. It's a celebration of your sport and not a
'dilution of our famous mark' or case of trademark infringement, as your lawyer
heavies suggest,” Vitter wrote.
Vitter also sent the Commissioner some of Phil’s
commemorative "Burger Bowl" T-shirts featuring the tag line “Support Team Gleason” on the
back.
As we wrote about last week and discussed on WRNO 99.5fm’s
John Osterlind Show, the money raised goes to a charity; last year it went to
former Saint Steve Gleason’s Gleason Foundation, and Phil’s is not profiting
from the “Burger Bowl”.
In a show of solidarity, Senator Vitter will be at the Phil’s
Grill Camp Street location in New Orleans at 12:40pm today to eat one of Phil’s
great burgers.
The NFL has requested, and received, an extension on their
objection to Phil’s trademarks until July 2nd.
