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| Photo - Food Network |
The trademark Nikki filed for was "Meat on The Side," which is her POV on Food Network Star. It was filed in the category Education and Entertainment which has a description of "Educational and entertainment services, namely, a continuing program about food and cooking accessible by radio, television, satellite, audio, video and computer networks."
So, what does this mean?
The definition of a trademark is "A name, symbol, or other device identifying a product, officially registered and legally restricted to the use of the owner or manufacturer." This means that Nikki Dinki filed to own a program about food and cooking called "Meat on The Side" and that she is the only one that can legally use that name. This would mean that the Food Network would not be able to use that as a show. Also, as contestants pretty much sign their life away when they appear on Food Network Star (See number 19 from a previous application form), I don't think Nikki could own anything if she was in the final and had a chance to win.
Note that Nikki filed for the Meat On The Side trademark on June 3rd, which was one day after the Food Network Star premiere. The 'first use' listed for Meat on the Side was June 2nd, which was the premiere date. Nikki also has a trademark for Nikki Dinki Cooking, which was filed earlier. Most of the Food Network Trademarks are listed under the name Television Food Network, G.P.
If you look at the signature on the Nikki Dinki Cooking one, it has Nicolette Siegert, which from this article from the Buffalo News, you see is her husbands last name.
Conclusion:
- Nikki will be eliminated from Food Network Star before the finale, as she filed for a trademark of her POV, which she wouldn't have done if she was in the final. Otherwise, there may be legal issues with the Food Network over this.
- Also, Nikki Dinki is her maiden name, but I guess she uses it for all of her entertainment work.
What do you guys think? Any lawyers out there who are better at reading into things like this?