We’re joined by Kevin Kneupper, an author and retired patent attorney who is one of the key figures in the ongoing #Cockygate scandal. Kevin answers our questions about the case, his role in it, and what the next steps are.
Ep. 32 Kevin Kneupper: #Cockygate
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So what is Cockygate?
It all starts with Faleena Hopkins, the author of a 19-book series known as the “Cocker Brothers of Atlanta” or “Cocker Brothers, the Cocky Series.” On September 12, 2017. Hopkins filed for two trademarks of the word “cocky.” She then began sending cease and desist letters to several authors who also have the word “cocky” in their titles, and Amazon began removing those books.
This is scary, because it would set a precedent that any author can trademark a common word and prohibit other authors from using it. Duke, Billionaire, etc.
On May 7, 2018, Kevin filed to have the trademark cancelled, since a one-word trademark is vague and potentially damaging to other authors.
Then the shit really hit the fan.
Faleena sued Kevin, as well as author Tara Crescent, who also writes books with Cocky in the title, and Jennifer Watson, a publicist for a protest anthology called Cocktales. Faleena also began posting unusual things like a 2 hours Facebook live rant and a letter to herself, some of which directly contradicted her case.
There was a hearing, and Kevin was dropped from the suit, since the judge ruled there was no reason to sue him for challenging the trademark. His challenge is still ongoing, as is Faleena’s lawsuit against the others.
Helpful links:
Books mentioned in this episode (not including Faleena’s books):
They Who Fell by Kevin Kneupper
Argonautsby Kevin Kneupper
Restricted Fantasies by Kevin Kneupper
Cocktalesby Penny Reid et al
Her Cocky Doctors by Tara Crescent
Her Cocky Firefightersby Tara Crescent
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Hamlet by Shakespeare