You might avoid this if you have a weak stomach or are clearly cynical.
Tony Jones referenced this church in his new book (which I will review sometime this week, per request by the way--not his request, lest you be confused). It was one of the few areas where we are in total agreement. Just read the page. It explains why a church has trademarked its name. Yes, you read that right. I only hope Nathan and Christy Nockels don't sue the church for trademark infringement.
Here's something to munch on: you're only eligible for federal trademark protection if you're using a mark in interstate commerce. So what is "Watermark" selling across state lines? I'd lay money that their purported trademark would never hold up in court.
Posted by: Jason | March 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Their patent applications mention audio tapes/CDs/DVDs containing material of religious nature; I don't find it implausible that people in several states would purchase such things, even if only through word of mouth.
Posted by: Leighton | March 24, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Their trademark applications, excuse me.
Posted by: Leighton | March 24, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I hope they do sue the church.
Posted by: Cara | March 24, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jay Kelly | March 24, 2008 at 07:23 PM
(deep breath)
Posted by: Jay Kelly | March 24, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Aaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jay Kelly | March 24, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I really like these two lines..."We want you to know that as we search our hearts this is not an issue of pride and that we really are deeply committed to seeing the universal church and not only our local expression of it prevail...However, for many reasons we do not feel it would be best to share the name Watermark at this time." Wow.
Posted by: Amanda Fortney | March 24, 2008 at 10:08 PM
guess they didn't check this site:
www.watermarkonline.com
Posted by: TonyS | March 24, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Tony,
That is a-w-e-s-o-m-e!
Posted by: greg | March 24, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Unfortunately, the link to WatermarkOnline.com was too much for Mr. Kelly. The combined effect of the church link and this link overpowered him, and he died of laughter. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, mourners can make a donation to the Watermark Community Church Legal Defense Fund.
Posted by: The Executor of the Estate of Jay Kelly | March 24, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Well, that's the first time I've snorted rum. And here I thought it hurt when I broke my little toe in tenth grade...
Posted by: Leighton | March 24, 2008 at 11:27 PM
On Watermark's site it says,
"We look forward to hearing your concerns as well as sharing ours in a manner that honors God and preserves the unity within his body."
Sounds like we should contact them... I am going to put some thoughts together and do that. I will keep you posted.
I agree this puts on odd taste in my mouth. Same thing when I heard Saddleback has done the same thing...
Posted by: Kent McKeaigg | March 25, 2008 at 11:21 AM
The Jesus business clearly needs its federal trademark protection--you never know, some "other" saboteur-cum-church might swoop in and overtake the dominant Jesusmarket position that Watermark (the church or the band?) clearly thinks it has.
It would be shocking to see the Kingdom compromised by greed, marketing or some other worldly influence. Whatever should we do if THAT day ever comes? This calls for a wristband that could have the initials "W.W.J.D." I think Jesus would love for Watermark to be able to use its mark to the exclusion of all others because he clearly loves them more (based upon their innate ability to transform lives and lead people to Jesus). I bet that Watermark made Jesus' final four bracket--maybe even the final game.
Posted by: dr dobson | March 25, 2008 at 03:30 PM
...in other news...
Posted by: Dallas Tim | March 25, 2008 at 04:59 PM
that was two years ago... I wonder how the case shook out?
Posted by: TonyS | March 25, 2008 at 11:09 PM
I'm so thankful that "Sneakers, T-shirts and open-toed sandals are OK."
Posted by: dr dobson | March 26, 2008 at 07:05 AM
I wonder if they're using Christvertising.
Posted by: Leighton | March 26, 2008 at 01:07 PM
leighton,
thanks for sending that link. I forgot about it. Very well done. Very funny in an understated way. I'm sure some will believe it's a real company.
Posted by: greg | March 26, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I just decided to change the name of my blog to "the Parish."
Posted by: Tim Sean | March 26, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Tim, too late, I already trademarked it and I trademarked Anabaptist Monk. Unlike the church I feel at this time God wants me to share the names. So you have my blessing to continue.
Posted by: Joe | March 27, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Well, I invented a time machine and trademarked a blog named The Freedom Anabaptist Parish Monk Train back in 2003, so there.
In retrospect, I probably should have patented the time machine instead.
Posted by: Leighton | March 27, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Uh... ew. I should have heeded the "weak stomach" warning.
All hope is now lost :*(
Posted by: Vince C. | March 28, 2008 at 03:21 AM
yea, the time machine is cooler.
Posted by: Joe | March 28, 2008 at 02:30 PM