VIENNA, Va. (CelebrityAccess) For almost 150 years, the tag line “The Greatest Show On Earth” has been associated with the family entertainment icon Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Feld Entertainment Inc., longtime owners of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, took the touring extravaganza off the road earlier this year, but claims it retains all intellectual property for the circus including its famous tagline “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
Now Feld Entertainment has filed of a federal trademark dilution and infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against recording artist Robert James Ritchie, professionally known as Kid Rock, and Live Nation, Kid Rock’s tour promoter.
The lawsuit claims the Greatest Show on Earth Tour, recently announced by Kid Rock, infringes and dilutes the famous trademark “The Greatest Show On Earth long-held by Feld Entertainment..”
“We have authorized licensees for Ringling Bros. and The Greatest Show On Earth, but Kid Rock is not one of them,” said Lisa Joiner, General Counsel of Feld Entertainment. “Feld Entertainment was not contacted by Kid Rock (or anybody else on his behalf) regarding his use of Feld Entertainment’s trademark The Greatest Show On Earth.” The lawsuit asks the court to stop the unauthorized usage of the Greatest Show on Earth in connection with Kid Rock’s tour and merchandise.
“This historic trademark has been an important part of Ringling Bros. for the past century, and it is recognized as a trusted and iconic brand of family-friendly entertainment. The Greatest Show On Earth continues to live on and will do so well into the future. We have no intention of surrendering the trademark or allowing it to be tarnished,” said Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment.
Feld Entertainment is a global leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Sesame Street Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE!
The circus officially stopped touring in May after 146 years on the road. Feld blamed poor ticket sales following the 2015 announcement to phase out elephants from the show.
