dan9999
11-05-2009, 04:44 AM
Comcast seeks court OK in dispute over ‘FanCaster’ name
By Donna Goodison
Boston Herald
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Comcast SportsNet New England wants a court to determine whether it can expand its FanCaster program, which teaches teens about broadcasting, without the threat of legal action.
The regional cable sports network filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking a judgment on whether its use of the “FanCaster” name violates a trademark held by Fancaster Inc., a New Jersey firm that operates an online site where fans can post videos of events, competitions and celebrities.
Fancaster has threatened to sue Comcast SportsNet New England if it expands its use of the FanCaster name. Fancaster’s trademark of “Fancaster” applies to broadcast services, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Boston.
The New England FanCaster Program was founded in 2003 as a community service to educate local students ages 13 to 18 about broadcasting careers. Students narrate and videotape introductions to “Heroes Among Us” video features that are displayed when a community hero is honored during Boston Celtics home games.
Comcast is considering expanding the program to include college-age students and adults. It also wants to change the program to a sponsored promotion affiliated with other corporate partners.
Comcast’s attorney declined comment. Fancaster Inc. owner Craig Krueger could not be reached.
By Donna Goodison
Boston Herald
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Comcast SportsNet New England wants a court to determine whether it can expand its FanCaster program, which teaches teens about broadcasting, without the threat of legal action.
The regional cable sports network filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking a judgment on whether its use of the “FanCaster” name violates a trademark held by Fancaster Inc., a New Jersey firm that operates an online site where fans can post videos of events, competitions and celebrities.
Fancaster has threatened to sue Comcast SportsNet New England if it expands its use of the FanCaster name. Fancaster’s trademark of “Fancaster” applies to broadcast services, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Boston.
The New England FanCaster Program was founded in 2003 as a community service to educate local students ages 13 to 18 about broadcasting careers. Students narrate and videotape introductions to “Heroes Among Us” video features that are displayed when a community hero is honored during Boston Celtics home games.
Comcast is considering expanding the program to include college-age students and adults. It also wants to change the program to a sponsored promotion affiliated with other corporate partners.
Comcast’s attorney declined comment. Fancaster Inc. owner Craig Krueger could not be reached.