Town sued over plan to change name to Rocky Top, cash in on fame of copyrighted song

Travis Loller

March 12, 2014 - 12:58 PM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A former coal mining town's effort to revive its fortunes by changing its name to Rocky Top has hit a snag.

A development group has promised to turn Lake City into a tourist mecca if it goes through with the name change. The plan is to cash in on the fame of the bluegrass standard "Rocky Top," recorded over the years by Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell and others.

But Gatlinburg-based House of Bryant, which owns the rights to the song and multiple Rocky Top trademarks, is suing. A complaint filed Monday in federal court in Knoxville claims the name change would injure the reputation, goodwill and business value of House of Bryant's Rocky Top trademarks.

Lake City Mayor Tim Sharp could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

News from © The Associated Press, 2014

More News ...

iN RESPONSE: Readers have their say
Following are emailed reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the third week of April 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjo

Fruit packers near Kelowna fined another $78,000
A fruit packing plant in the Ellison area east of Kelowna was hit with another $78,368 in fines for discharging effluent into a failed septic field. That’s now more than $110,000 in fines since 2022 for the same issue at Sandher Fruit

Penticton business set to launch cannabis consumption patio on 4/20
A Penticton cannabis retailer will be opening its consumption patio this weekend and the owner says it'll be the perfect spot for customers to safely enjoy a toke. Cannabis Cottage is hosting a launch party for its all-new designat

Thousands of short-term rentals in B.C. go back to long-term May 1
LANGLEY, B.C. - British Columbia Premier David Eby is warning real estate investors and speculators that his government is tilting the rules towards families seeking homes as it tightens the rules on short-term rentals. Eby said Thursday th

Popular kelowna News

How Kamloops councillors and staff have leashed the mayor
A workplace investigation into the mayor of Kamloops and how he treats staff was so secret that the City wouldn't even acknowledge its existence. Then he handed it to reporters. Re
April 18, 2024 7:00 AM
Lemonade stand sparks overwhelming support for Kamloops family
The old adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” never made more sense for a mother of three in Kamloops. Cara English’s daughter set up a lemonade stand to raise
April 17, 2024 7:00 AM
North Okanagan murder suspect tried to return to family home after release: daughter
Family of North Okanagan woman Tatjana Stefanski, who was found dead yesterday and presumed murdered, say they are dealing with grief, but also some fear and anger. In a social media post, h
April 16, 2024 1:34 PM
UPDATE: Weapons call prompts heavy police response in downtown Kamloops
Heavily-armed cops made an arrest at a downtown Kamloops motel this afternoon. RCMP were called to Canada's Best Value Inn today, April 17, where a damaged red Dodge Ram was under superv
April 17, 2024 2:02 PM
Kelowna winery says accountant took almost a half-million dollars
The owners of a Kelowna winery and golf course allege their former controller took nearly $450,000 in just 30 months on the job. The Turton Group, which owns The View winery as well as Orcha
April 15, 2024 6:00 PM

Trending Now

TRENDING NOW: Bears check out the human exhibit

View Site in: Desktop | Mobile

Town sued over plan to change name to Rocky Top, cash in on fame of copyrighted song

Trending Now

Kamloops

Kelowna

Penticton

Vernon