Our weekly column from the humor site PreOccupied Territory.
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Ramat HaSharon, October 31 - A government-owned Israeli corporation that manufacturers arms and other defense goods took legal action today against a producer of Judaica, charging that the latter's branding of its armored skullcap series violates the military corporation's trademark on the its renowned air defense system against rockets and long-range artillery.
Israel Military Industries sent an official warning today to Talleisim East, a producer of high-end yarmulkes and other Jewish ritual items, that use of the name "Iron Dome" is reserved by law for the air defense system by that name, and that Talleisim East's use of the term for its line of kevlar-reinforced kippot constitutes an illegal breach. The warning included a demand that Talleisim East recall all the units it has distributed under the trademarked name, and sell no more under the Iron Dome name.
A spokesman for IMI stated that the firm will pursue an aggressive defense of its rights. "The danger here lies in the fact that customers, and the public at large, will erroneously conclude that Israel Military Industries produces these goods, or endorses them," explained Shem Baduy. "Talleisim East is welcome to manufacture armored kippot to its hearts content - but not billed as Iron Dome, which is an IMI trademark." Attempts to reach the offices of Talleisim East in Jerusalem proved unsuccessful, and a call to o a Mt. Vernon, NY, phone number listed in the company's promotional catalog went similarly unanswered.
Iron Dome skullcaps have sold as novelty items in Judaica and souvenir stores, according to the proprietor of the Etrog chain of shops in central Jerusalem. "It's too bad, because it's a great gimmick," she lamented. "They come in several types of camouflage pattern, of course, but there's military green and black, as well. We've sold six or seven in the last week alone, and they only became available a few weeks ago. I hope IMI and the manufacturer can come to some sort of agreement, maybe license the name, because there's business to be had here." She voiced the pessimistic view that entrenched protectionist attitudes in Israeli government and government-run enterprises will view the situation only through the prism of a threat, and not the commercial opportunity it presents.
Legal sources revealed that IMI also attempted to file suit against a mountain in northern Israel for unauthorized use of the name Tavor, but at the last minute withdrew the filing when the company received information indicating the mountain may have taken the name before its application to the IMI-manufactured assault rifle.
