Bo Muller-Moore

Bo Muller-Moore is an American folk artist and entrepreneur, best known for his legal battle with the fast-food company Chick-fil-A over the use of the slogan "Eat More Kale." Muller-Moore's work primarily involves screen printing, with his most famous design being the "Eat More Kale" slogan, which he prints on T-shirts and other merchandise. His story gained national attention as an example of a small-scale artist fighting against a large corporation to protect his intellectual property rights.

Background

Bo Muller-Moore began his career as a folk artist in Montpelier, Vermont. He started screen printing T-shirts in his garage, initially as a hobby and a way to make gifts for friends and family. The "Eat More Kale" slogan was inspired by a friend's suggestion and quickly became popular in local farmers' markets and craft fairs. Muller-Moore's designs emphasize sustainability and local agriculture, resonating with the growing movement towards organic and locally sourced food.

Legal Battle

The legal battle began when Chick-fil-A issued a cease and desist letter to Muller-Moore, claiming that his "Eat More Kale" slogan infringed on their trademarked "Eat Mor Chikin" campaign. Chick-fil-A argued that the similarity between the two slogans could cause confusion among consumers. Muller-Moore responded by launching a public campaign to defend his right to use the slogan, arguing that his message promoted a healthy lifestyle and supported local agriculture, which was distinctly different from Chick-fil-A's fast-food message.

The case drew significant media attention and public support for Muller-Moore, highlighting issues of copyright and trademark law, particularly the challenges faced by small artists and entrepreneurs in protecting their work against larger corporations. After a lengthy legal battle, Muller-Moore was granted a trademark for "Eat More Kale" by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, allowing him to continue using the slogan for his merchandise.

Impact

Bo Muller-Moore's case has become a symbol of the "David vs. Goliath" struggle within the realm of intellectual property law. It has sparked discussions about the rights of artists and small business owners, the power dynamics between small entities and large corporations, and the importance of supporting local economies. Muller-Moore's victory is often cited as an example of how grassroots support and public advocacy can influence legal outcomes.

Current Work

Following the legal battle, Muller-Moore has continued to produce and sell "Eat More Kale" merchandise, expanding his product line to include a variety of items beyond T-shirts. He remains an advocate for local agriculture and sustainable living, using his platform to support these causes.

See Also

• Intellectual Property
• Copyright Law
• Trademark Law
• Sustainable Living
• Local Agriculture