New York's Naked Cowboy claims his trademark's being ripped off--in a "this town ain't big enough for the both of us" maneuver, he's demanding the Naked Cowgirl either cease and desist or sign a "Naked Cowboy Franchise Agreement" before he runs her out of town.
The Times Square cowboy of New York City, aka Robert Burck, strolls the Square wearing only his guitar, briefs and a cowboy hat--as naked as one can get within the law. Now the Naked Cowboy's getting territorial--sending a cease-and-desist letter to female Sandy Kane. Apparently the Cowboy believes Kane's red, white and blue cowboy hat with matching bikini is ripping off his "trademark".
Burck says that--if Kane's going to make money by posing for photos--he wants her to sign a "Naked Cowboy Franchise Agreement." You can want some things an awful lot--it doesn't necessarily mean they're going to happen. Seems Burck's territory game has worked out for him in the past. Most of Burck's licensed franchisees are "required" to pay $5,000 a year or $500 a month and additionally go through a screening process. Well, now, that might just make those "franchisees" a bit stupid. It's not quite clear as to when the Naked Cowboy became heir to Times Square.
Kane, in her 50s, is in the New York comedy scene and was a former stripper--her true name being Sandra Brodsky. Brodsky says she doesn't owe Burck anything--and she may be more than right.
Burck might have a hard time proving his trademark infringement claim in a suit--though Brodsky might have a shot with a harassment claim.