The beloved Canadian comedy series Schitt's Creek, which charmed global audiences with its heartwarming story of a wealthy family rebuilding their lives in a small town, has become more than just a cultural phenomenon. Its popularity has also created a legal minefield for e-commerce sellers, as copyright holders have intensified enforcement actions against unauthorized merchandise.
New Round of Copyright Enforcement
The show's rights holder, Not A Real Holding Company Inc., recently filed another Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) lawsuit (Case No. 24-cv-08277) on September 11, 2024, represented by Aronberg Goldgehn law firm. This marks the continuation of aggressive intellectual property protection efforts that began last year.
Why Schitt's Creek IP Protection Matters
The series' extensive intellectual property portfolio extends beyond the show itself. Two particularly notable protected elements include:
- The "Rose Apothecary Handmade & Remedies" logo
- The "Café Tropical" logo
These copyrighted designs frequently appear on various merchandise including apparel, puzzles, keychains, signage, bags, blankets, and drinkware. The show's title, character likenesses, and certain memorable phrases also enjoy legal protection.
Scope of Intellectual Property Protection
The rights holder has secured trademarks and copyrights covering multiple categories:
| Protected Element | Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Schitt's Creek | Trademark | Apparel, home goods, etc. |
| Rose Apothecary Logo | Copyright | Various merchandise |
| Café Tropical Logo | Copyright | Various merchandise |
| Character Likenesses | Copyright | Johnny, Moira, David, Alexis Rose |
Recent enforcement actions demonstrate consistent vigilance:
| Case Number | Filing Date | Law Firm |
|---|---|---|
| 24-cv-08277 | September 11, 2024 | Aronberg Goldgehn |
| 23-cv-24471 | September 11, 2023 | Brickell |
| 23-cv-23141 | August 17, 2023 | Brickell |
Risk Mitigation Strategies for Sellers
Online merchants should take proactive measures to avoid infringement:
- Conduct comprehensive inventory reviews for any Schitt's Creek-related items
- Verify product listings for unauthorized use of protected elements
- Remove potentially infringing merchandise immediately
- Seek proper licensing through official channels if continuing sales
- Consult intellectual property specialists when uncertain about compliance
The resurgence of Schitt's Creek copyright enforcement serves as an important reminder about the necessity of respecting intellectual property rights in e-commerce operations. Proactive compliance not only prevents legal consequences but also supports ethical business practices in the digital marketplace.