Mattel brews fight with D.C. podcaster "Coffee with Ken" over doll-like name

State of play: In May, Mattel officially opposed Biberaj's trademark application for his "Coffee with Ken" show, arguing people could confuse the 5-year-old podcast with Barbie's longtime BF — especially a Barista Ken doll — damaging the brand.

• Biberaj's legal team responded that Ken is a common name, and that people are unlikely to link a political commentary show starring guests like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore with a doll sporting a man bun.
• The trademark request is currently suspended while negotiations proceed.

What they're saying: "I don't think anyone's ever logged on to 'Coffee with Ken' and thought that a barista doll or Ryan Gosling was gonna be on the other side," Biberaj tells Axios.

Between the lines: He points out that the podcast, which he launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, predates the "Barbie" movie and Ken craze. He said the name started as an event series (e.g., "Jog with Ken") he did when running for New York City Council over a decade ago.

• Meanwhile, Mattel notes that Ken dolls and toys have been marketed and sold for more than 60 years.

The bottom line: More than just a trademark, Biberaj tells Axios his fight is about "the broader implications for creators. I'm really proud to be named Ken. But it's not like a super unique thing where Mattel should be able to control every 'Ken' reference."

• "It's a slippery slope," he says, for creative Kens everywhere.

What we're watching: Mattel's next legal response to the Ken-troversy is due next month.

• Meanwhile, Biberaj isn't stopping — including a very un-KEN®-like talk at the National Book Festival on understanding the global economy.