To Our Fellow ZomBcon Community,
I wanted to personally speak publicly about a very concerning matter that my team has been dealing with for the past four weeks by an “unnamed” entity that is claiming the ZOMBCON brand and company is their property, both intellectually and by company formation. I would like to finally speak publicly and set the record straight once and for all, as this “unnamed” person is threatening the livelihood and future of ZomBcon International.
It has come to our attention that there is some question about the state of the convention and it’s management or ownership. As many of you know, our Facebook Community fan page was removed as of today, amidsts the stellar reviews and great success this past weekend.
Due to inaccurate and undocumented claims by a third party who will remained unnamed at this present time, there has been much confusion about this matter and I apologize, we were notified at the same time as you were.
The truth of the matter, amidst this unforeseen speed bump, nothing has changed in regards to the actual performance of this year’s convention, which was our biggest year yet with rave reviews. Nor do we plan to make any further announcements to allude to this claim. It’s simply not true and we are currently working with our lawyers to rectify this third party claim.
As the president and founder of ZomBcon International, LLC and the RED WHITE AND DEAD Zombie walk, I feel the importance to bring attention to this communication between our audience and fan base, which has always been the key to our success in the past events.
This event was built by fans, for fans and nothing is more important to us then to provide an amazing experience for all parties involved. Our goal is to provide you accurate information and update you as the situation develops and look forward to keeping this great convention in Seattle for 2012.
It’s unfortunate and disappointing that a third party can make claims that have no factual documentation, nor been proven in a court of law that can jeopordize and threaten the very livelihood of this great convention, it’s community and those who have supported us in the past, present and future.
At the current time, our Facebook page has been removed until further notice and suggest that you check back at our official ZomBcon website for any updates and developments regarding this matter. This also includes any new and our announcements for 2012′s convention.
For the time being, please go to XOMBCON INTERNATIONAL to receive the information and updates and please feel free to update your changes to get your ZomBcon on!
I am very proud and stand behind this convention, both professionally and personally which has taken many months, hundreds of countless hours of work by our staff, volunteers and sponsors to ensure a premiere event for fans, exhibitors, special guests, and partners associated.
This letter is to assure you that all is as it should be. The management of ZomBcon International is not now, nor has it ever been, in the process of changing and remains owned by myself, sole proprietor Ryan Reiter and organized by my great staff that many of you have had the pleasure of meeting last weekend.
Even if that were the case it would not effect the state of the convention at all, so as much as we appreciate your concerns, this has no factual basis and will continue to operate under our ownership, until further notice.
ZomBcon International 2011 was a great success and encourage you all to keep the energy and spirit alive and share it with your friends and amongst your own personal networks, until this gets resolved.
I greatly apologize for any concern or direct confusion based on the abrupt removal of Facebook may have caused. Please continue to follow and get your news at the official website at www.zombcon.com and Twitter page @ZomBcon. You can also to contact us directly by email at infect@zombcon.com for the latest information or questions to the convention.
Like anything in life, expect the unexpected and in this case, a Zombie apocalypse. We greatly appreciate your patience, support and understanding while we put this matter behind us. Please spread the word and share with our fans, who we owe this great success to and confident that it will continue.
Sincerely,
Ryan Reiter
ZomBcon International
President and Artistic Director


Ryan-
I know some people, that know some people…..
Yeah, you know what I mean. If there is ANY thing we can do to help, just ask.
A Big Supporter
Huh?
I wasn’t able to attend Zombcon this year, but through my friend David Rollison and his online updates I was able to keep up with what was happening leading up to, and during the event. It looked like it was a blast and i’m considering flying back to Seattle next year just for it. It’s a shame that someone would take credit were credit isn’t due. I’m sure i speak for all the fans when i say we got your back, keep it up, and let us know what you need to keep a kick ass event like this going. Now, back to The Walking Dead…*moans and walks slowly to the couch*
Geez, what timing! I’m sorry y’all are dealing with this in what should have been a really awesome week for you!
I second what Danny said above, you have the fans full support, and we’re already counting down until 2012!
I did a quick search of ZomBCon on the trademark office website, and it says the ZomBCon trademark is owned by a Florida company. I’m not sure if the FL company is the real ZomBCon (ie you guys) or not, but the Florida secretary of state’s office says that this FL company filed its articles of organization in May of this year. Didn’t see Ryan Reiter’s name on anything, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything either way. Like the Walking Dead, leaves me with more questions than answers.
[...] [via: ZomBcon.] [...]
ZomBcon is one of the best conferences in the country and cultivates a sense of community for fans and professionals alike. I stand behind Ryan Reiter and ZomBcon as the ONLY and OFFICIAL ZomBcon.
http://www.trademarkia.com/zombcon-85406267.html
Funny, I saw the ZomBcon logo Oct 2010 in Seattle. FL peeps filed Aug 2011? B.S. – Kick their butt Ryan, plenty of us got your back!
From what I can tell there is a company that formed in May. Then proceeded file a trademark in August as part of that company.
It looks like someone trying to squat and blackmail. The records for the USPTO and the state of Florida back up this assumption.
So, I suppose if I form company and trademark application then I can steal others hard work….. Ryan, give ‘em hell!!
Give’em hell Ryan. You have all the valid proof you can possibly need to show that you have and are using the name, logo etc in commerce before them. That’s all that is needed to prove your case.
How lame they do this after the show and ruin the place for everyone to still chat and share all the photo & video goodies from the show.
Stay strong my FIENDS !
XO- Vamp
http://www.LeeAnnaVamp.com
http://www.ilovezombiegirls.com
According to the USPTO, the trademark is in “Applied For” status by the Florida LLC. It takes about 18 months for a trademark to go live from application. Having done this a few times, they are not exaggerating about that timeline.
Their application date was in August. They won’t have anyone assigned to the trademark application until next month. So you still have plenty of time to get everything together.
You can file an opposition using the form at http://estta.uspto.gov/filing-type.jsp
It’s not the easiest thing in the world, but if you are comfortable reading legalese you don’t actually need the expense of a lawyer. Though one would come in handy. (I’m an accountant and I handle all of the trademark stuff for our org just because we can’t afford an attorney.)
Also, you should be able to get your Facebook page restored by filing a challenge with them. Their IP rules are kind of ridiculous, but the last time we had an issue like this, filing the challenge pushed the burden back on the original complainer to prove they weren’t completely nuts (they were). It’s basically a documentation war and it sucks.
Good luck in either case. All of the Zombie Squad people and the guests you had who are friends of the squad say the event was great.
Hey guys!
I was just wondering if there’s any spot to find the “Devil’s Rejects” panel on video from last Sunday at ZomBcon. I really need it. Thanks!!!
Check out the video feature from ZomBCon with host Billy King.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZZp3uozflI&feature=feedu
I mean like of the actually panel man. thanks tho!