Richard Skinner, formerly of WFTK-FM’s “Two Angry Guys” show, has sued the station’s parent, Cumulus Media, claiming it appropriated the “service mark” for the show after he was fired.
The “Two Angry Guys” program premiered in December 2007, featuring Skinner and Tom Gamble. In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday by Eric Deters of Eric C. Deters & Associates PSC, Skinner claims the show’s title is a “service mark” that he created and performed for almost 13 years. When Skinner was fired in November 2008, Cumulus and WFTK continued to use the name and the similar “Angry Guys,” in broadcasts and promotions and on their Web site.
Skinner is asking for a jury trial and an injunction preventing Cumulus from using “Two Angry Guys” or a similar name. The suit also demands the recall of infringing materials, as well as damage awards, payment of attorney fees and profits realized on the name.
Atlanta-based Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) acquired the station in 2006 and changed its format to alternative rock. The chain also operates WGRR-FM, WRRM-FM, WOFX-FM and WNNF-FM in the Cincinnati area.