Muppet Fact #1811
In 1990, Wilkins Coffee tried to used Wilkins and Wontkins once more in advertising and on merchandise, as Jim Henson had sold the rights for the characters to J.H. Wilkins.
This reboot was promoted with pictures of Jim Henson with the puppets and promotional material stating "Original Muppets Created by Jim Henson." When Jane Henson saw this display at a convention, she tore up Wilkins Coffee's promotional materials, pictures of her and her husband, and took the Life Magazine tribute to her husband.
Jim Henson Productions sued both the advertising agency and Wilkins Coffee for copyright and trademark infringement and unfair competition, arguing that the use of Wilkins and Wontkins would make people think the Henson company was connected to Wilkins Coffee.
It was found that Wilkins Coffee and their advertising partner was not entitled to employ and license the use of Wilkins and Wontkins. However, the Henson Company did have to pay $1211.59 in damages.
Sources:
Shapiro, Eben. "Legal fight brewing over the use of two Muppets." Arizona Daily Star, July 19, 1992. Page 5. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57562547/legal-fight-brewing-over-the-use-of/
Jim Henson Productions v. John T. Brady & Assoc., 867 F. Supp. 175 (S.D.N.Y. 1994). https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/867/175/1456334/
