Deals eliminate need for federal court trial
Settlements have resolved a Louisiana recording company's claims against two T-shirt vendors and a restaurant over merchandising rights to the phrase, "Who Dat?"
Terms of the settlements with Steve Monistere and his company Who Dat? Inc. were not disclosed. Monistere had sued to protect the company's right to use the phrase for "very specific and narrow categories" of goods including T-shirts, food items and beverages.
Mark Andrews, a lawyer for the T-shirt vendors who had been sued said his clients had never asked to be in the lawsuit and are "glad it's over so they can get on with their business."
Darleen Jacobs, a New Orleans attorney, says the settlement will allow her to use Who Dat Yat Chat as the name of a restaurant she intends to open in Violet in St. Bernard Parish. Jacobs says Who Dat? Inc. will also pay her court costs.
Monistere and his brother Sal trademarked the phrase after they enlisted several Saints players to chant it on a recording of "When the Saints Go Marching In" sung by Aaron Neville.
(With assistance from The Associated Press.)
