VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For almost 150 years, the trademark The Greatest Show On Earth® has been associated with the family entertainment icon Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus®. Today, Feld Entertainment, Inc., the world’s leading producer of live family entertainment, including Ringling Bros.®, announced the filing 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.
“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.
As part of its efforts to enforce its trademark, Feld Entertainment repeatedly contacted defendants to obtain their cooperation to stop the infringement, and were ignored. “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.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. 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! Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit www.feldentertainment.com for more information.