MindGeek, the shadowy internet company that owns the multi-billion dollar smut site, Pornhub, recently went on a warpath against, of all entities, and Kebab shop nestled within the heart of New York City. The crime of the shop? Trademark infringement.
As reported by Chelsea News, a kebab shop named Doner Haus recently found itself squarely in the sights of the Pornhub owner, not because of its name, but because of the font, style, and design of choice it used on display. Frequent visitors of the porn site – relax, there’s no judgement here. We know many of you continue to patronise the site – will know that the site’s trademark branding and its black, white, and yellow contrast that greets viewers on the landing page. In paying the full homage, the shop also has sexually suggestive statements plastered all over its windows, such as “Big Doner Energy” and “Bite Me, Lick Me, Eat Me Good”.
"mind geek, the shadowy overseas parent co. of pornhub, is claiming trademark infringement by doner haus, a family-run fast casual restaurant renowned for its german-style kebabs. the restaurant says there is no danger of confusing the hardcore sex site w/ its popular sandwiches"
— alexandra j. roberts (@lexlanham) August 15, 2023
Doner Haus, in this instance, essentially paid homage to Pornhub by imitating the site’s logo, with the apparent difference between them being the name. In any case, MindGeek’s attorneys sent a cease and desist letter to the shop last month. it threatened the food outlet, saying that if it refuses to comply with the company’s request, it will then begin the appropriate legal actions against it. It says that consumers will believe that the shop is affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed, or in some way approved by MindGeek.
Doner Haus and its attorney have more or less rubbished the Pornhub owner’s claims of alleged association, saying that there is no evidence that would suggest people would believe it was sponsored by the internet company. “Our client respects the trademark rights of others, and expects others to respect their rights to rightfully use trademarks, including trade dress, that do not infringe the rights of others,” the shop’s attorney wrote inresponse. “That being said, Döner Haus not only disagrees with your assessment of the alleged trade dress infringement of your client’s Pornhub trade dress, but considers the same to be so incredible as to be beyond the pale.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvsYvSnRkzA/
At the time of writing, Pornhub and Mindgeek have yet to respond to Doner Haus’ statement.
(Source: Chelsea News via The Verge)
