A Minneapolis elected official who had attempted to trademark the name of a blog that has been critical of her has withdrawn her trademark request.
On July 24, Carol Becker, an elected member of the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation, filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the name “Wedge Live.” The name, which was available, is the same as the @WedgeLive Twitter handle, YouTube channel and website (WedgeLive.com) of Minneapolis-based news blogger John Edwards, who recently ran against Becker as a write-in candidate for her board seat.
Becker later filed a name reservation for “Wedge Live” and “WedgeLive,” as well as a “DBA” (“Doing Business As”) filing, with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, explaining to reporters this weekend that she planned to launch a podcast on national wedge issues.
On Sunday, following outcry on social media, Becker filed to withdraw all three applications.
“The rumors and innuendos have just gotten completely out of hand, that somehow I’m trying to shut down John Edwards, and blah blah blah,” said Becker on Monday, noting she might refile the applications in a few months. “If they want these (titles), you know, then I’m more than willing to step aside and say you can have them. If he doesn’t want them, then legally, I’m interested in seeing if I can monetize these things.”
“I was really surprised to find that these assets had not been secured,” Becker added. “I think they’re worth money and I think I could make some money off of them. Why did he not?”
Edwards, one of the founding members of the advocacy group “Neighbors for More Neighbors,” has called for more housing construction in light of the metro-wide housing crisis, and he’s been openly critical of Becker’s opposition to the city of Minneapolis’ 2040 Comprehensive Plans, which would allow widespread construction of four-plexes.
Edwards said he was taking steps Monday to secure ownership of the WedgeLive name himself, and would be meeting with an attorney on Wednesday “and going from there. Whatever protects me going forward.”
