Andy Griffith, 1926-2012: Five Surprising Facts

He had to sue to preserve his name

Back in 2006, a Wisconsin man named William Fenrick (right) legally changed his name to “Andy Griffith” while gearing up to run for the office of county sheriff. But the original Andy Griffith didn’t take too kindly to that, suing Fenrick for trademark and copyright infringement. The suit was thrown out by a district court judge due to protected speech under the First Amendment, but there was no harm done: ... more 

He had to sue to preserve his name

Back in 2006, a Wisconsin man named William Fenrick (right) legally changed his name to “Andy Griffith” while gearing up to run for the office of county sheriff. But the original Andy Griffith didn’t take too kindly to that, suing Fenrick for trademark and copyright infringement. The suit was thrown out by a district court judge due to protected speech under the First Amendment, but there was no harm done: Fenrick/Griffith lost the election anyway.

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