Maryland Community Newspapers Online
A battle over bling has erupted between a Maryland couple and one of the most famous rappers in the world.
Sean "Diddy" Combs — the music mogul also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy and Sean "Puffy" Combs — filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over a Montgomery County business called Cuff-Daddy, an online shop that sells cuff links.
Mike and Jill Cayelli of North Potomac started the business about five years ago with $500, investing in 20 pairs of cuff links from China. The venture started on eBay, but eventually grew to its own Web site, www.Cuff-Daddy.com.
Although the name pushes the rapper's buttons, Mike Cayelli says it's a tribute to his graduate school nickname, King Daddy.
When the couple tried to trademark the name Cuff-Daddy last year with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Combs filed a notice of opposition.
Robert A. Becker, Combs' attorney, argues Cuff-Daddy would falsely suggest that Combs endorses or sponsors the products, would likely deceive consumers and would "cause dilution of the distinctive quality of the famous Puff Daddy mark," according to the trademark office's paperwork.
The story has appeared elsewhere, including the television show TMZ, the BBC and entertainment sites. The Cayellis had been keeping mum.
"We thought about contacting [Combs] directly but never did," Jill Cayelli said.
The two sides are working on a settlement, yo!
