Exploring the church's case against John Dehlin's "Mormon Stories" | Episode 452
Summary
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sued the podcast Mormon Stories for trademark infringement, claiming its use of "Mormon" causes consumer confusion. EFF attorney Cara Gagliano argues the term is generic and protected speech, noting the church recently abandoned the trademark. Historian Christine Hagelin discusses the term’s evolving cultural weight and the potential PR backlash for the church.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Patreon sponsorship
LDS Church sues Mormon Stories podcast
Legal basics of trademark infringement
First Amendment protections and the Rogers test
History of LDS trademark enforcement
Historical and cultural context of 'Mormon'
Argument of trademark abandonment
Evolution of the term 'Mormon' in church history
Legal and cultural implications of a church win
Public relations risks for the LDS Church
Institutional anxiety and media engagement
Predictions for the lawsuit's outcome
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