ARE YOU A DUNDERHEAD?

In a very funny article by Matt Thompson, journalists are taken to task for oftentimes forgetting that trademark law also applies to them.  The title of the article, "Trademark Law for ... Dunderheads", cleverely spoofs a famous trademark infringement spat involving the "...... for Dummies" series of books popularized by Wiley Publishers, Inc. 

Mr. Thompson references a South African newspaper, the Mail and Guardian, that published a column on its website entitled "Cricket for Dummies." Wiley Publishers  weren't happy and their trademark counsel sent the newspaper a letter asking for the paper to remove all references to "For Dummies" on the website, and promise never to use the phrase again.  The Mail and Guardian promptly responded with a resounding "Pffffbbbbttttt...." (i.e. a raspberry). 

So, you young aspriring journalists out there listen up.  Don't use Kleenex unless you mean the facial tissue sold by Kimberly Clark.  Don't use Xerox unless you are referring to the photocopier company Xerox.  Finally, don't use the phrase "You're Fired" unless you are an aging real estate mogul with bad hair.  =)