Entertainment

Is Christine O’Donnell Trying to Steal a Copyrighted Show About the Tea Party?

(Following the posting of this story, Christine O’Donnell graciously consented to addressing the issues raised in the story. We have added an update below.)

Christine O’Donnell, the Tea Party candidate who rocketed to national fame during her 2010 run for Joe Biden’s open Senate seat in Delaware, is back in the news again. This time she stands accused of trying to steal a copyrighted and trademarked television show.

Just over one month ago TheBlaze reported on a concept for a reality TV show called “Occupy vs. The Tea Party.”

Christine ODonnell Accused of Trying to Steal Occupy vs. the Tea Party Show

As we told you in that previous story, think of it as “The Apprentice” meets “Survivor” with a dash of “Big Brother” tossed in for good measure. “Occupy VS. Tea Party” is the brainchild of producer/author/musician Gordon G.G. Gebert.  After our initial story ran on July 16th, Gebert managed to secure funding to produce the pilot and work has actually started on the show.

But last week, a story broke that the former U.S. Senate candidate Christine O‘Donnell allegedly sold a version of Gerbert’s show to Al Gore’s Current TV.

O’Donnell is currently on a media tour promoting her appearance at the “Troublemaker Fest” – an event scheduled to coincide with the GOP convention in Tampa, and billed as “Empowering Young Patriots To Stop Barack Obama’s Second Term.” The biggest piece of news in O‘Donnell’s press releases and web postings was that she would be co-hosting (along with Current TV’s “Young Turks”) a “Tea Party vs Occupy Wall Street Debate.” ABC News, Yahoo News, Sinclair and several national outlets picked up the story reporting that O’Donnell was “headlining” the event.

There was just one small problem here. Christine O’Donnell does not have the rights to the concept or the name. Sinclair News reports:

Christine O’Donnell was told in a conference call Thursday evening she could not use the Tea Party vs Occupy or the Occupy vs Tea Party name because both are trademarked and copy righted by Gordon G.G. Gebert, creator of the reality TV Show of the same name.

Gebert’s concept has been known to many in the TV industry for almost a year. He has been working on the development, casting, and funding of the show since last November. (He even made an effort to get the show on GBTV.)

Prior to last week, Mr. Gebert and people associated with Troublemaker Fest had discussions about Gordon bringing a version of his TV show to the stage in Tampa. According to an interview with TheBlaze, Gerbert stated that he agreed to produce a stage version of this TV show with the following conditions:

  • Chuck Woolery would host the debate (Woolery nor his people were contacted by O’Donnell or Current TV – Gebert secured this)
  • Gebert would produce and record the show.
  • All video from the debate would belong to his production company and be included in the pilot

On Tuesday of last week, Mr. Gebert says that he received a phone call from someone involved with the event. That conversation hinted that there were some problems developing.

Thursday evening, Gebert was alerted to a conference call about the scheduled “Occupy vs. Tea Party” event. Gordon reports that he dialed into the call but his presence on the call was questioned by one of the seven people on the line. When it was said by one person that “Gordon is bringing Chuck Woolery” — Gebert corrected them all stating that he owned the show, copyrighted the concept and also had trademarked it.

The fact that a trademark and copyright exist did not seem to bother Christine O’Donnell. More from the Sinclair News story:

During the Thursday conference call O’Donnell was attempting to reach a broadcasting deal with The Young Turks while representing that she was the creator and owner of the trademark. Despite repeatedly being told by the Trademark & Copyright owner she could not use his brand in her Tampa event, O’Donnell decided she wanted to take her chances in litigation and told Gebert, “sue me.”

But wait. There is more to this story.

Apparently, Christine O’Donnell is also telling people that game show hosting legend Chuck Woolery will also be appearing as part of her event. He is not. Chuck Woolery is slated to host Gordon Gebert’s “Occupy vs The Tea Party” and has never been contacted by O‘Donnell’s people or asked to be involved with Ms. O‘Donnell’s event in Tampa (except by Gebert).

Mr. Gebert’s reaction to Ms. O‘Donnell’s actions? His lawyers sent her people a “cease and desist’ notice via email.

Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:41 PM
Subject: Cease and desist any and all branding, titling, presentation, television – Chuck Woolery will not be hosting your show

Cease and desist any and all branding, titling, presentation, internet, television broadcast of “Occupy vs. Tea Party” or “Tea Party vs. Occupy”

Cease and desist any advertising, promotion, representation, attachment of Chuck Woolery to your event.

Chuck Woolery will not be hosting any illegal presentation, debate, or facsimile of “Occupy vs. Tea Party”

Thank you,

Gordon G.G. Gebert

That email has reportedly been received by O‘Donnell’s representative, and yet the debate is still posted on the calendar on Troublemaker’s website.

Monday we kick off our week of events with the first national Tea Party vs. Occupy Wall Street Debate.

This morning’s early phone call with Gordon Gebert confirmed the timeline and the events. He hopes that a court will issue an injunction preventing O’Donnell, Current TV, and Troublemaker Fest from poaching his show in Tampa.

This morning, O‘Donnell is slated to appear on CNN with Soledad O’Brien. She promoted the appearance via Twitter and her website ChristinePAC.

Christine ODonnell Accused of Trying to Steal Occupy vs. the Tea Party Show

During the 8am ET hour, Ms. O‘Donnell did appear on CNN’s “Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien” and addressed the allegations.

As mentioned above, Christine O’Donnell takes strong exception to some of the points made in this article. We talked at length this morning. Ms. O’Donnell offers answers to follow-up questions.

The Blaze: You said that you feel “blind-sided” by the liberal media… I don’t know how you can say that when you are in bed with Current TV, Cenk Ugyur and The Young Turks.

Christine O’Donnell: You see, the thing is… we’re not in bed with Current TV, we have not sold a thing to Current TV. I have never spoken to Current TV.

That statement from Ms. O’Donnell is curious considering what appears on her website for the event:

Christine ODonnell Accused of Trying to Steal Occupy vs. the Tea Party Show

Additionally, the very first line of the online release promoting it states:

Tampa, FL—The Young Turks, a political commentary program on Current TV, has partnered with Christine O’Donnell and Troublemaker Media to produce the line-up for the first ever national Tea Party vs. Occupy Wall Street debate.

A press representative from Current TV also states that the television network has no relationship with this event. Although it was stated that a possible affiliation might exist with an online version of The Young Turks.

There was also considerable coverage of last Tuesday’s news that Ms. O’Donnell and Chuck Woolery would be both be appearing at the event in Tampa. Ms. O’Donnell was listed as a “headliner” with Chuck Woolery as host of the “Occupy vs. Tea Party” debate.

During our conversation, Christine O’Donnell said that it was unlikely that Chuck Woolery would be appearing at the event. Which begs the question: Why was a press release sent out last week highlighting his involvement?

Ms. O’Donnell did repeatedly state that she had not spoken with Gordon Gebert prior to his appearance on the Thursday night conference call. And that she had no prior knowledge of the show he created, copyrighted and has trademarked. And based on conversations with many folks, that appears to be true.

Can, as some have suggested, both sides of this kerfuffle possibly work together and create a stage version of Mr. Gebert’s show? It might offer that rare “win-win” opportunity.

Full Disclosure: After learning about the original Occupy vs. Wall Street project on Kickstarter, the author was so intrigued he donated $100 to the pilot funding.

Comments (65)

1 2
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:42pm

    This woman was a Tea Party mistake.

    Report Post »  
    • ambrosia
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 8:26pm

      The ONLY one Christine O’Donnell wants to “EMPOWER” is herself.

      How she ever got support for her failed “campaign” from the Tea Party
      is beyond me ?
      Yeah, her Liberal opponent & victor was &is a nightmare
      but the Tea Party & America deserved a much wiser, serious candidate
      than “Gidget O’Donnell.

      She, just like Megan McCain has admitted their sole focus is on having
      some kind of media, TV career.
      She’s a drip & anyone who attempts a deal with “Current TV” is a double drip.
      Go away, Christine….nobody cares !

      Report Post »  
  • Amarilloan
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:56pm

    Interesting supposition: Tea Party rep. makes a political statement. Occupy rep. throws a brick at the Tea Party rep. This might be a difficult debate…

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 2:14pm

      I know of the TEA Party MOVEMENT… But what is the “Tea Party” PARTY?

      Did someone already Steal TEA?

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • NoUseForLogic
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:15pm

    But? But? We loved her when Glenn Beck was telling us to love her?

    Report Post »  
    • BenInNY
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Can’t say I recall that, only discussions over her seemingly being more conservative than Castle, then the witch commercial hit and it became about that.

      Report Post » BenInNY  
  • GB__The Holy Warmonger
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:56am

    I have doubts that such a generic and obvious phrase can be “owned” by someone and a court uphold it. Book and movie titles are not protected so how is this any different? If this were applied to all media it would virtually kill any future projects. I think all the lawyers involved know this.

    Report Post » GB__The Holy Warmonger  
    • pdw
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 12:21pm

      Copyright laws are strange. When living in the DC area the local power company did not get the copyrights to their name in time and a man did the company ended up paying thousands of dollars to the rights to their own name. This was back when copyright laws were changed and the exact wording of a title had to be registered so he may be right but I do know that if it is considered a generic name then it can not be copyrighted.

       
    • Ellie
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:32pm

      Apologizes to PDW as I hit report post rather then reply – it’s been a while – hopefully the blaze checkers will see it as reply I meant it to be. Sorry.

      Report Post » Ellie  
    • Ellie
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:42pm

      Sorry Christine, but unless you and the Turks came up with and marketed “Occupy vs. Tea Party” before April 9, 2012 I think you are out of luck:

      http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4007:hvq6g5.3.1

      Report Post » Ellie  
    • JonathonMoseley
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 2:26pm

      Yeah, but Ellie, read what you linked to. Gordon Gebert trademarked “Occupy v. Tea Party” for a reality based television series.

      What does that have to do with a live debate in a political conference / film fest.

      Furthermore, the trade mark is not valid anyway, because it is a group of obvious English language words. You cannot trademark that any more than you can trademark “fried chicken”

      Furthermore, other people DID use the title “Occupy v. Tea Party” before Gebert trademarked it.

      Report Post »  
  • flipper1073
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 11:46am

    The TEA Party does not belong to Christine O’Donnell
    or Gorden Gebert or Dick Armey or Tim Phillips or even
    Ron Paul.
    Tea Party Nation, Tea Party Express, Tea Party Patriots
    are basically Organizations Trying to Co-Op the TEA Party
    into the Republican Party.
    We’re not the right wing of the Republican Party.
    The Establishment Republicans Hate the TEA Party almost
    as Much as the Democrats.
    As evidenced by the Speakers at the Republican Convention.
    If you want Bigger Government with an R vote Republican.
    If You want Bigger Government with a D vote Democrat.
    If you want Smaller Government
    Lower Taxes an more Indivdual Freedoms.
    Vote TEA in most cases there will be an
    Establishment Republican running against them.
    At some point in the near future there will be a
    Battle for control of the Republican Party.
    If the TEA Party Independents, the Conservatives,
    an the Ron Paul Supporters leave the Republican Party.
    They‘re Left with a room full of Rino’s an a few Moderates.

    The Majority of Conservatives are being Ruled by the
    Minority of Moderate Republicans.
    Problem is the TEA Party doesn’t like Rulers any better than
    They Like Dictators. Establishment Republicans BEWARE
    we don’t like you a whole lot better than We like Democrats.

    Having said all that;
    Romney / Ryan 2012 At least they’re not Communists !
    2016 the Conservatives are taking over.
    Starting in 2013 with the House an Senate !
    No more Beohner no more McConnell
    an Harry Reid w

    Report Post » flipper1073  
    • flipper1073
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 12:08pm

      (sorry ran out of characters)
      Harry Reid will be Minority Leader

      Report Post » flipper1073  
    • midwesthippie
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 6:26pm

      …YES!…boehner and mcconnell need to be removed as “leaders”…still NO budget passed…the first time i saw boehner cry i knew we were in trouble…

      Report Post » midwesthippie  
    • jadams1214
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:50am

      obviously by your closing statement everything you said prior to that is meaningless babble. the TEA party is nothing more than people who say one thing and vote something else. the more i learn about REPUBLICANS the more i realize they have less principles than democrats.

      Report Post »  
    • jadams1214
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:54am

      i find it amazing you want to get rid of boehner and mcconnel and put two bigger liberals for pres/vp.typical republican logic

      Report Post »  
  • teawithjill
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:45am

    She just never rang true to me, she just seemed to get on the tea party boat because she thought it would benefit her. Her e-mails just kept coming in all the time after she lost the election and were getting ridiculous I unsubscribed to her, but I getting them again? I find her annoying.

    Report Post »  
  • TheMajority
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:54am

    She stepped up, and tried to displace a progressive in office. That is a lot more than you detractors have the guts to do. All you have the guts to do is regurgitate progressive media on line, depicting her as dumb. I don’t think that is smart.

    I am a TEA party person (Traditionally Educated American), and I am not interested in fighting occupy kids. I am interested in explaining to them that Capitalism belongs to them also, and it is being stolen from all of us. You never herd that conversation before, have you?

    Let me explain what dumb is. It is dumb to follow progressive media conversation control. Use your brain, and develope your own conversation.

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:21am

      So that’s your answer to a ignorant, ill say anything to get attention individual who probably understands as much about the Tea People as she does anything else, which is minimal. Spare us the labels, progressive, liberal, socialist, communist and of course capitalist. What do you think about your cornerstones of capitalism who create Mortgage back securities to side step banking regulations, credit default swaps to side step insurance, falsify the LIBOR so they can make arbitrage gains. Capitalism without ethics, integrity and a sense of citizenship and social responsibility is no better than any other economic system. At least that’s the conclusion the facts support of blind ideology. Have the guts to clean up the system you are supporting.

      Report Post »  
    • teebubba
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:39am

      One of the growing pains of the developing tea party is that it occasionally finds itself supporting a totally unsuited for public office ambitious bimbo who shouldn’t be allowed to run for town dog catcher.. That is why there is a Democrat sitting in Biden’s old seat.

      Report Post » teebubba  
    • TheLeftMadeMeRight
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:45am

      “Have the guts to clean up the system you are supporting.”
      Q: and what have you personally done to fight corruption in the system you are supporting?

      FYI – it’s “an ignorant” and I’ll as in “I will” not “ill” as in you are ill, and Tea People drink Lipton “Tea Party” people fight big government in their lives.

      use must not beez call-edge grad-ye-ate-ed…

      Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
  • team1blazer
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:54am

    Christine is a faux tea partier….just a media prostitute, who will do anything for power…sue her, then ignore her.

    Report Post » team1blazer  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:46am

    She’s an embarrassment.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:15am

      GONZO. I love ya, you know that. But I have to disagree with y fellow NUGEster. I think she was a bright and shining light of conservative vales in a mixed up, jumbled up. shook up world. And I believe she will come back strong, along with Sharron Angle and George Wallace. (Wait, he’s dead – skwe – ever mind.) But jus to remind how refreshing she was, here’s this:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TgSpGHLxys&feature=relmfu

      Report Post » Wango  
    • JRook
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:23am

      You got that right. She is a sad individual on the scale of Ann Coulter.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:59am

      I expect nothing less from a state that voted for Joe Biden for 30 years though.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:46am

    Who watches reality shows? Saw an ad the other day for “here comes Honey Boo Boo” and almost fell off my chair. What idiots think that and what’s the one-oh yeah Bridzillas, are who America is? I have a picture in my mind of who watches that kind of show. Escapism? Bread and circus’ for the masses? Don’t think, don’t vote? Now one about occupy? Those idiots and tea party should not be in the same sentance, sorry, that’s my opinion.

    Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:29am

      Sarah Palin’s Alaska
      Dancing with the Stars
      Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp
      Stars Earn Stripes

      “I have a picture in my mind of who watches that kind of show. Escapism? Bread and circus’ for the masses? Don’t think, don’t vote?”

      Amen, Jenny Lind!

      Report Post » Wango  
    • tajloc
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:11am

      Jenny Wake up. We are starting the world’s best reality show that has MILLIONS watching. Please don’t just casually dismiss all reality shows. The NFL is upon us again. I can’t wait.
      (Many are more interested in the college game…and that’s OK too)
      Go Broncos (and Jets of course)
      Go Tide

      Report Post »  
  • rfycom
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:37am

    Love this sexy lady even though she is dumb.

    Report Post »  
    • teebubba
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 1:17pm

      Maybe….but one thinks her true calling is to lead that new “Asexual Interest Group”..

      Report Post » teebubba  
    • JonathonMoseley
      Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:06pm

      Christine O’Donnell is by no means dumb. In fact, her situation comes from being the smartest kid in school, so she just takes things for granted

      Report Post »  
  • grimmster
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:28am

    I still ponder how, the Tea Party ever vetted her in the first place,i swear she could pass for bidens daughter…….dumb as a box of rocks……

    Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:25am

      Yes . . . ponder . . . how COULD the Tea Party be so incredibly stupid and short-sighted . . .and worse, blinded by some idiot’s phony baloney ideology. Not smart enough or experienced enough or principled enough to even make an honest living. Oh, wait, we‘re talking about O’Donnel? Yeah, her too.

      Still got that barbecue ready to go at my place, GRIMEY. Come on over.

      Report Post » Wango  
  • BaltimoreJoe
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:26am

    A teachable moment re supporting candidates that claim to be Tea Party supporters. If she’d whore herself to CNN for this is there any doubt what she would have done in the Senate faced with dollars for votes.

    Report Post »  
  • nobull14
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:22am

    One word STUPID !!!

    Report Post »  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:19am

    the only tea party vs. occupy game i want to play is in nov…..and its no game …

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • John 3:16
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:15am

    You have to have a real low IQ to watch any of these reality shows and an even lower IQ to come up with the idea to put it on TV. LOSERS !!!!

    Report Post » John 3:16  
  • Big Media Bias
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:10am

    Unfortunately she has an unstable recent history…
    - Stopped paying on her mortgage 2007. Her boyfriend at the time bought it to save her Senate run
    - She walked out on a CNN interview 2011. Thin skin woman.

    TheBlaze seems to do their homework and check their facts before publishing stories. Otherwise Glenn would terminate their jobs. Ms O’Donnell has no credibility with this story. I supported her financially during her campaign for obvious Tea Party reasons. I wouldn’t trust her with anything these days.

    Report Post »  
  • John 3:16
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:08am

    We already played this game in real life and occupy WS bozos lost everything including their diapers, remember they crapped everywhere?

    Report Post » John 3:16  
  • woodyee
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:04am

    I’ll wait and see what comes out of the wash, because I don’t like us eating our own, especially just only 70+ days before a literal life-altering election.

    It would be better (jmho) if they sat down and tried to work something out quickly before a sword is drawn.

    Report Post » woodyee  
  • goahead.makemyday
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:02am

    NANANA You can’t stop me. How big of an ego must you have to.
    A) Publicly try to steal a person’s show idea.
    B) Claim that the host of the original show idea would be hosting yours.
    C) Do it all after talking to the copyright holder about it.
    D) Tell the guy to sue you after receiving a cease and desist from the holder’s lawyer
    E) Then go live on national tv and try to pass it off as your own?
    Does any one have a needle that can get close enough to pop the blimp her ego has become?

    Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
    • DagneyT
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:50am

      I’m trying to figure out how she obtained the ego in the first place. Methinks it’s actually self-delusion!

      Report Post » DagneyT  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 20, 2012 at 10:19am

      “I’m trying to figure out how she obtained the ego in the first place.”

      Witchcraft.

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:01am

    This is just sick! Nobody from my Tea Party organization would think twice before turning down an invite from the lame stream media. We are smart enough to know the show would be trying to make Tea Party people out to be a bunch of hicks.

    Then when they couldn’t get real Tea Party people the producers of this sort of show are going to find wantabe actors play their stereotypes of conservatives. Sorry Christean, we are a lot smarter than you give us credit for. .

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 9:00am

    This might be something to keep an eye on. I think that there may be more coming than meets the eye at the moment. But, there is a chance that O’Donnell is off her rocker, and may prove to be distantly related to Rosie and Lawrence.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 8:55am

    Holy crap!! Is this woman psychotic?? Did she go over the edge?? Wow!

    Report Post »  
  • Gooch7
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 8:52am

    I always thought she was a little of center balance.

    Report Post »  
  • MonkeyBeagle
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 8:52am

    Didnt realize you could sell a concept.. or copyright one. Many copy cat kind of shows exist on the tv of other shows.

    Report Post »  
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