Astrologer Walter Mercado loses rights to own Name! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 03-29-2009, 10:54 PM

Walter Mercado, guru of the galaxies, has spent four decades delivering astrological and spiritual advice to the Latin world -- cementing his flamboyant, profitable persona through TV shows, syndicated columns and radio segments.

But he didn't see drama coming when he signed a contract with a Miami promoter who promised to make him an even bigger, richer star. Now, Mercado, known as the Liberace of Astrology, may have lost the commercial rights to his own name and likeness.

A federal jury ruled that he breached a contract that gave promoter Bill Bakula ownership of the Walter Mercado trademark throughout the ''universe'' and into ''perpetuity.'' Bakula says that means he -- and he alone -- can make money off the name.

Mercado, who at 77 has no plans to quit delivering the horoscope to his fans, has to either find another universe or get the ruling clarified. A judge has been asked to sort out the mess.

''He wants to own me through all of my incarnations and across all of the stars,'' Mercado says while sipping espresso from a china teacup in the den of his antique-filled condo near downtown Miami.

Mercado is one of the Latin world's most beloved stars, mainly because he always gushes positivity. Yes, you can, his horoscopes affirm. And then he'll offer Leo a recipe for a love potion and Aquarius some numbers to play in the lottery. He remembers to stay upbeat, even when things are thorny.

''Walter Mercado has just been reborn!'' he says with typical flourish in late January after the federal trial that pitted him against Bakula, who was in charge of producing and marketing DVDs, CDs, TV segments, psychic telephone lines and a variety of products.

http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/961961.html

catlover79 · 03-29-2009, 11:01 PM

I guess that's one thing he didn't forsee!

browneyes106 · 03-29-2009, 11:10 PM

LOL I used to see Mercado commercials when my grandmother used to watch telenovelas.

Brian Damage · 03-29-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I guess that's one thing he didn't forsee!

robyrob · 04-02-2009, 11:30 AM

maybe he should go by the title "the astrologer formerly known as Mercado"

catlover79 · 04-02-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robyrob

maybe he should go by the title "the astrologer formerly known as Mercado"

Good plan.

Marvo301 · 04-02-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robyrob

maybe he should go by the title "the astrologer formerly known as Mercado"

or "the man with no face" since he also lost the rights to his image!

Doodyville10019 · 04-02-2009, 10:33 PM

I watch him from time to time. Some of the stuff he says is also hilarious!!

03-29-2009, 10:54 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Astrologer Walter Mercado loses rights to own Name! Walter Mercado, guru of the galaxies, has spent four decades delivering astrological and spiritual advice to the Latin world -- cementing his flamboyant, profitable persona through TV shows, syndicated columns and radio segments. But he didn't see drama coming when he signed a contract with a Miami promoter who promised to make him an even bigger, richer star. Now, Mercado, known as the Liberace of Astrology, may have lost the commercial rights to his own name and likeness. A federal jury ruled that he breached a contract that gave promoter Bill Bakula ownership of the Walter Mercado trademark throughout the ''universe'' and into ''perpetuity.'' Bakula says that means he -- and he alone -- can make money off the name. Mercado, who at 77 has no plans to quit delivering the horoscope to his fans, has to either find another universe or get the ruling clarified. A judge has been asked to sort out the mess. ''He wants to own me through all of my incarnations and across all of the stars,'' Mercado says while sipping espresso from a china teacup in the den of his antique-filled condo near downtown Miami. Mercado is one of the Latin world's most beloved stars, mainly because he always gushes positivity. Yes, you can, his horoscopes affirm. And then he'll offer Leo a recipe for a love potion and Aquarius some numbers to play in the lottery. He remembers to stay upbeat, even when things are thorny. ''Walter Mercado has just been reborn!'' he says with typical flourish in late January after the federal trial that pitted him against Bakula, who was in charge of producing and marketing DVDs, CDs, TV segments, psychic telephone lines and a variety of products. http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/961961.html
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

03-29-2009, 11:01 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	I guess that's one thing he didn't forsee!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

04-02-2009, 11:30 AM	#5
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,200	maybe he should go by the title "the astrologer formerly known as Mercado"
	__________________ * firefox * AdAware * HiJackThis * CoolWebShredder * Spybot * SpywareBlaster * Spyware Terminator * * GeeksToGo * AntiVir * Avast antivirus * Housecall Online * Sysinternals Security Utilities * * ZoneAlarm * Agnitum-firewall * Comodo Firewall * AVG Anti-Rootkit * RootkitRevealer * ParasiteCheck * * Annoyances * FreeCodecs * Mikes-Hosts-File * GRC.com * MSAntispyware * DVD's * TradeList * myspace *

04-02-2009, 10:33 PM	#8
Doodyville10019 Meet my new friend Sparkie! Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 08, 2008 Location: Competition Square, located in Doodyville Park Posts: 877	I watch him from time to time. Some of the stuff he says is also hilarious!!
	__________________ Hi! Hey! Hello again, here we go again!

03-29-2009, 11:10 PM	#3
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,094	LOL I used to see Mercado commercials when my grandmother used to watch telenovelas.