by Philip Zies

Due to the overwhelming popularity of our "IP Bully of the Week" award, or perhaps because of the prevalence of perceived IP Bullies, TacticalIP.com is rebranding its award as our "IP Bully of the Month" award and offers the following candidates for consideration, in addition to the award winner announced October 7, 2009:

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  Big Boy Restaurants International, LLC — for demanding that a 14 foot big-boy-on-a-pole be removed from a memorial in Charlston, South Carolina.  The memorial was created in honor of the original 1947 Shoney’s Restaurant, belonging to that chain’s founder, Alex Schoenbaum.  At one point, Big Boy and Shoney’s were merged, but Shoney’s later split off again.  (source)

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  World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — for demanding that the The Wine School of Philadelphia stop using the name "Sommelier Smackdown" for the food and wine pairing competitions that it has held since 2007.  (source)

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  Hansen Beverage Co. (maker of Monster energy drinks) — for demanding that Rock Art Brewery, in Morrisville, Vermont, rename its beer, which is now known as "The Vermonster".  (source)

Stay tuned for more nominees, and we may actually pick a winner at some point.  Sound off in the comments with your favorite, or if you’ve got a nominee of your own.