{"id":113937,"date":"2018-04-04T07:55:09","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T07:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vuelio.com\/uk\/?p=113937"},"modified":"2018-04-04T11:50:31","modified_gmt":"2018-04-04T11:50:31","slug":"beano-accuses-jacob-rees-mogg-of-ip-infringement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vuelio.com\/uk\/blog\/beano-accuses-jacob-rees-mogg-of-ip-infringement\/","title":{"rendered":"Beano accuses Jacob Rees-Mogg of IP infringement"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Beano has written an open letter<\/a> to Jacob Rees-Mogg, accusing the eccentric Conservative MP of \u2018infringing the intellectual property rights\u2019 of one of their cartoon characters and \u2018masquerading as Walter Brown\u2019 (aka Walter the Softy).<\/strong><\/p>\n

The letter goes on: \u2018It is evident that there are numerous instances whereby you have adopted trademarked imagery and brand essences of the character to the benefit of enhancing your career and popularity\u2019.<\/p>\n

If anyone is unsure of what these essences are, the letter lists seven points they believe are attributes of the character of Walter the Softy, which are being copied by Rees-Mogg:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The character\u2019s hair parting and style<\/li>\n
  2. The character\u2019s distinctive round reading glasses<\/li>\n
  3. The character\u2019s choice of spotty ties and vintage apparel<\/li>\n
  4. The character\u2019s enjoyment of classical music (because he thinks it makes him seem clever)<\/li>\n
  5. The character\u2019s bullish behaviour with peers and stopping others from having fun<\/li>\n
  6. The character\u2019s insistence to remind others of his father\u2019s successful career<\/li>\n
  7. Snootiness<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It then asks that Rees-Mogg \u2018cease and desist\u2019 in the \u2018ongoing impersonation of the character, which remains the exclusive property of Beano Studios\u2019. Tongue firmly in cheek, Mike Stirling, head of Beano Studios Scotland, signs off \u2018A swift response on this matter would be greatly appreciate to avoid getting Teacher involved.\u2019<\/p>\n

    The letter, tweeted out from Beano\u2019s official account, has been caused by keen-eyed readers who have brought the issue to the comic strip\u2019s attention. Replies to the tweet are just as mischievous:<\/p>\n

    \n

    The “Where’s Wally” people should go after him too.<\/p>\n

    \u2014 ROU You might feel a sharp scratch (@borismonster) April 4, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n