Andy Griffith Sues Former Wisconsin Sheriff's Candidate
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A Grant County man who changed his name to Andy Griffith to run for sheriff is being sued by the television actor.
A suit filed in federal court says the former William Harold Fenrick changed his name to get more votes and asks the court to order him to change it back.
Fenrick changed his name to Andrew Jackson Griffith in May. He says he didn't profit from the change. He gave away all of his campaign items bearing the name -- and he lost the election.
Fenrick, an independent, got about 1,200 votes. Republican Sheriff Keith Govier was re-elected Tuesday with almost 8,500 votes.
Jim Cole, a lawyer for the actor, says the suit isn't personal. But if Andy Griffith doesn't protect his name under trademark law, he loses his rights.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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