The popular alcohol brand, Jack Daniels sent a cease and desist letter to author Patrick Wensink, who's "broken Piano for President" book cover resembles the brand's trademark label, the letter's excessively polite tone and friendly request to the writer has made it a viral sensation, with many calling it the "greatest cease and desist letter ever," (abalawjournal.com).
The letter was crafted by Christy susman, the Whiskey brand's lawyer, who stated that the company would even reimburse Wensink for the cost of changing the art on his book-cover.
Excerpts of the letter read: "We are certainly flattered by your affection for the brand...but while we can appreciate the pop culture appeal of Jack Daniel's, we also have to be diligent to ensure that the Jack Daniel's trademarks are used correctly. Given the brand's popularity, it will probably come as no surprise that we come across designs like this on a regular basis. What may not be so apparent, however, is that if we allow uses like this one, we run the very real risk that our trademark will be weakened. As a fan of the brand, I'm sure that is not something you intended or would want to see happen...In order to resolve this matter, because you are both a Louisville 'neighbor' and a fan of the brand, we simply request that you change the cover design when the book is re-printed. If you would be willing to change the design sooner than that (including on the digital version), we would be willing to contribute a reasonable amount towards the costs of doing so," Click here for the complete letter (https://brokenpianoforpresident.com)
Even the author, who agrees to comply with the request, but refuses to accept any finances to make the change posted on his website(brokenpianoforpresident.com), "If it wasn't signed by some lawyer, I'd imagine ol' Gentleman Jack penning it himself, twirling his bushy mustache."
The letter has become a viral magnet, people are taking to twitter, Facebook and other forms of social media to raise their glasses to the company's amicability.
