Is the use of the word "Branson" only legal within the city limits of the City of Branson?

[BlogBot]

Originally Posted by BlogBot

A local NBC piece recently reported on the fact that the City of Branson had sent a letter to the Branson Sports Club, Inc., a not for profit corporation, that among other things, runs after school sports programs for at risk kids, most of whom are between the ages of five and thirteen. The letter stated that it was violating the law "because the club is outside city limits" and they "are using 'Branson' in connection with your [their] business although you [they] are not located within the city limits of the City of Branson."

The report goes on to say, "According to the city, 'Branson' is a protected name and can't be used by a business or organization outside the city limits." The letter appears to be basing its claim on the fact that it has the federally registered Service Mark of "BRANSON, MISSOURI." Doesn’t the term "Branson" far transcend the boundaries of the City of Branson? Silver Dollar City, one of "Branson's" biggest attractions, is located where? If the city has their way what's next, the Showboat Branson Belle will be renamed the "Showboat ??? Belle?"

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