[6/29/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Licensing Rights To Trademark
By Markie Bee
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As many of you know, a bit of controversy got started over the weekend when a plugger was sent to a mailing list of steppers stating the "V-103" (in big bold print) Worlds Largest Steppers Contest was going to be held in October. There were several things wrong with the document. Including what I flagged as a trademark violation based on the information from January 2008 when I broke the story about the Majestic Gents leaving V-103 and moving to Soul 106 for radio sponsorship. At the time Pete Frazier told myself and other websites that he had the trademark rights to "The Worlds Largest Steppers Contest name. We went with the story and nothing more was said about it… until yesterday when in response to this Facebook post: "Is there a potential trademark controversy brewing? Pete Frazier owns the trademark but V-103 and Lana Reid are using the World's Largest Steppers Contest name for 2nd contest in Oct? See for yourself. Why can't we all just live happily together?" I got this response from Dave Maxx: "Sorry that I have to REALLY correct you on this one Mark...but Pete.... like the rest of us who have been around for longer than 5 minutes, danced in the "V103" World's Largest Contest when Budweiser was the sponsor & Merri Green was the promoter for V103. The trademark is owned by V103 under registration #1697212 since 1991, long before you got into Steppin, or Pete had anything to do with promoting any contest...and he wasn't doing that till after Merri got outta the game in 2000. On top of that, what does Lana, who is all the way in L.A., have to do with a major contest in Chicago that started before she even knew what Steppin was. She sends out e-blast based on the request of her clients. My brother you gotta do your research & know your facts before you get out there slammin' people....and doing business has nothin to do with livin happily together or apart." I responded with this post: "Dave: Yea I got heavy into the stepping scene in 1996, but I also know who was the promoter back in the beginning (when DJ Shaun and I created the stepping set at the Razz) and I was around when Merri got out and I remember the controversy back then too. I also remember last year Pete said he owned the name when I wrote the article in January about the WLSC being sponsored by 106. That means NO ONE did their "homework" in 2008, as I wasn't the only person who reported on it then. From emails I received, the only way Lana is involved is that she hosts the location (on the server) where the flyer is located, considering the public animosity between the parties; it sure looked "fishy"... If she's not, that's cool. I'm waiting for a response from Pete on this matter. And all of everything (including doing business in the community) has everything to do with everyone living happily together as one community. They are inseparable. If Pete has a response tonight, I'll make it public." Well over night and this morning I did speak to Pete several times and this is what I got from him in response. "We've been over this before (meaning Pete, and other parties) in the past. I have the rights to the name and I'll forward a copy to you, but they are just playing people to get exposure for another contest and I want to assure they are not doing the Worlds Largest Steppers Contest. The only WLSC is September 19th and they are just playing people." What I got from the conversations and once I have the document, I'll be able to confirm that Pete has licensed the exclusive naming rights from V-103 (who holds the trademark with the trademark office. In other words, what I read out of this V-103 got out of the steppers contest business and sold the rights to Pete. If that's true (and the document will prove it once produced) it will dispel any questions about who has the right to use the name. Pete also asked, "Since when does V-103 send out blasts? They never have before." I did notice the logo was missing from the blast. I can assure you, I haven't slammed anyone. Just reporting what I see, but I won't be used as a pawn in some advertising scheme either.

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Sunshine Stepping at Club 142 in Hammond, IN with a variety of the stars of the Chicago style stepping community including Steppin' James, Carlos, Dominique, Johnny (JC) Carter, Royce Banks, Swan, and G. Porgie. The video was shot freehand by Markie Bee (SteppersUSA.Com) live and unscripted after Sunshine's Ladies Styling class.

 

Earl & Robin at the 219 Contest Finals

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Steppers History

If you or anyone you know has any photos, footage or information about or from any Steppers contests for the History of Stepping Project, I'd love to add it to what we have. It's Your History! OR If you have a personal recollection concerning stepping or if you care to help with the  in any manner, please Send us an email.

Steppers Community Definition Added
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2006 3-G's Contest results added Timeline Updated
Steppers Compete 2003 Timeline Updated
The Dungeon in Chicago in the 1970's See the Personal Recollections Page

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Please copy the message below and send it on to as many steppers as you can please!

This is an open message to ALL steppers. Please share it with as many people as possible.

 

 As many of you may already know I started a new web site for the benefit of the greater steppers community. It's called History of Stepping Project. I wish to encourage you to add your knowledge to the timeline. If you know anything about stepping, please share this with the public on this site. We are looking for all information related to stepping from it's beginnings to the present. The information literally includes everything from clubs and bars which held steppers sets and parties to contests and the participants and results, to when different steppers organizations and classes started, who the instructors were and are; Musical bands, and artists, DJ's, radio and television personalities, Movies, videos, and photos… literally everything stepping.
Creating an accurate historic timeline will go a long way toward helping the community take the next step in its logical progression as it continues to grow nationwide and will become a valuable resource for all in the future.
Your input, your knowledge and your effort have made the dance what it is today. Don't you feel your place (and your organization's) in the timeline is well deserved? I do!
Please send an email to your members or readers inviting them to participate. Place a link on your web site also please. All support is appreciated!

The effort requires more than just posting the information. The need for fact checkers, people willing to do some research exists in this important ongoing project. Just a few minutes a week can make a difference.

Thank You for your time!

Markie Bee
The History of Stepping Project

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Monday June 29, 2009

 

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