Yahoo News Jacob Rees-Mogg responds to Beano's cease and desist letter for copyright infringement
The Beano has accused Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg of copying their character Walter the Softy.
The long-running comic sent a cease and desist letter to Rees-Mogg, 48, after they claimed he was impersonating the character of Walter and ordered him to, by means of their legal team, stop.
The comic tweeted out a letter they’d sent to the Brexiteering Tory after the crime had apparently been noted by their readers.
‘It’s come to our readers attention that @Jacob_Rees_Mogg has been masquerading as Beano character Walter Brown. A clear breach of our copyright.’
Head of Beano, Mike Sterling, said the likeness was a ‘clear infringement’ on Rees-Mogg’s part.
The letter cites the plentiful similarities between the fictional character and the Conservative North East Somerset MP, by likening each’s hair parting and style of it, their distinctive glasses, clothing choice, ‘snootiness’, and an ‘insistence to remind others of his father’s successful career.’
The letter politely requested that he stop impersonating the fictional cartoon with immediate effect: ‘We firmly request that you cease and desist in your ongoing impersonation of the character, which remains the exclusive property of Beano Studios.
‘A swift response on this matter would be greatly appreciated to avoid getting Teacher involved.’
It’s come to our readers attention that @Jacob_Rees_Mogg has been masquerading as Beano character Walter Brown. A clear breach of our copyright. pic.twitter.com/voWQZ5VkPS
— Beano (@BeanoOfficial) April 4, 2018
The letter also states that the Tory MP is adopting “trademarked imagery and brand essences of the character to the benefit of enhancing your career and popularity”.
Tory Jacob Rees-Mogg responded to the legal approach with attempted humour.
‘I am flattered to be accused by the Beano’s legal eagles of imitating Walter the Softy whose powerful physical prowess is so much greater than my own,’ he quipped.
I am flattered to be accused by the Beano's legal eagles of imitating Walter the Softy whose powerful physical prowess is so much greater than my own https://t.co/p6uQ1Yy5dK
— Jacob Rees-Mogg (@Jacob_Rees_Mogg) April 4, 2018
Rees-Mogg has become a prominent member of the Conservative party, largely down to his insistence that Brexit must go ahead and has become something of a liked figure amongst Tories.
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