mdpatriotguard.org

I have received a few questions over the last few weeks about the PGR Trademark fight.  Mostly just about the history, why, who and what can be done.   So a very simplistic view.....

Jeff Brown founded the National PGR movement.  He along with a few others acquired the domain name, brought up a website and gained attention from around the country.  Shortly after the site was up, Jeff Brown began selling PGR branded items on the site.  He and the others then created an Oklahoma non-profit corporation, formed a Board and continued to grow.  Everyone was told that PGR branded items were trademarked and copyrighted so permission was required for use.  "To protect OUR name".  Everyone was also told the 501c3 paperwork was complete for the IRS.

Rumors began to surface that Jeff Brown was pocketing money from the PGR Store.  Some people said they knew it was for-profit, some said they were told it was 100% to the PGR, some said they could care less as long as they got to ride for the Fallen.  After several weeks of constant turmoil in the National Forums, Jeff Brown confirmed without equivocation that he had quit his normal job to focus on the PGR.  The PGR store belonged to him as a for-profit company.  Anything over operating costs/donations to HOTH he was pocketing in his personal account.  This doubled the turmoil on the forums.  Most people seemed to be appalled that anyone would profit from such a 'good thing'.  

Right, wrong or indifferent, the BoD at that time removed him from his PGR position.  While they attempted damage control they found not only had the the name never been trademarked, the 501c3 paperwork had never been completed.  They set about rectifying those deficiencies that week, filing for both the trademark and IRS tax exempt status.

Later on the same day as PGR, Inc., filed for the trademark "Patriot Guard Riders" on behalf of the corporation, Jeff Brown filed for the same trademark on his personal behalf.  A few months later he filed an opposition with the USTPO against PGR, Inc., receiving the trademark.  Which is how we got here almost 5 years and hundreds of thousands of dollars later.

There are some who feel Jeff Brown is a greedy crook who should have been prosecuted for self-dealing.  While there are some who feel Jeff Brown was wronged.  This case doesn't come down to either of those feelings.  It matters not how we feel about the way it went down or what the facts were at the time.  None of those things matter to the USTPO and they shouldn't to us.

This case will be decided at the USTPO regardless of anyone's beliefs.  It will be decided on the letter of the law.  Anyone wanting to predict which way it will go should play the lottery instead.

What can you do?  Not much.  Continue to stand for those we honor.  It is really all that is important.  If you buy PGR Gear, buy it from the true PGR store, not off other stores on the internet.

What happens if PGR, Inc. wins?  Jeff Brown will have to stop selling PGR branded gear. PGR Inc, will be able to get back to fully funding HOTH instead of enriching law firms.

What happens if Jeff Brown wins?  The ultimate question indeed.  The truth is he will own the name and trademark for the Patriot Guard Riders.  He PERSONALLY will own it... That means it is his to do with what he wants...  He can profit from it, sell it, charge for its usage, stop others from using it, franchise it and even accept corporate sponsors in its name.  "Patriot Guard Riders brought to you by Fly-By Night Flag Company (made in china)"  or "The Patriot Guard Riders Support [insert your worst fear here]".  I firmly believe most thinking folks agree a non-profit corporation should own their name, logo and trademark.  There should be constraints that can only occur with an elected Board.  It shouldn't be owned by a single individual.  There will be nothing that anyone can do to stop him.

There are indications that PGR Inc., is considering re-branding the PGR to another name to circumvent, if necessary, the loss of the trademark.  Most I talk to disagree vehemently with this strategy.  Drop the word Riders and make nice with the Kansas Patriot Guard (The true originals).   There have also been ramblings of a "Shadow PGR" set up by Jeff Brown around the country, ready to take over everything if he wins. Evidently he has new State Captains ready to go in a lot of states. I have no clue how true his claim is, nor any clue to if there is one here in Maryland.  Don't really care. I doubt seriously he is counting me in his 'cabinet'.  I just do not drink the Kool-Aid and neither do any of the ASCs or RCs in Maryland. As the Maryland State Captain, I am not interested in helping anyone make money off what we do.  (I am also not dumb enough to believe that Riders don't spend a whole lot of money and someone isn't making a buck.  There is a trade-off to where the profits are going and what good is being done.)   National PGR as flawed as it may be, has checks and balances to keep it on course, both by charter and by IRS regulations.  A single individual has no such restrictions.  I imagine more than one State will be scorched earth for any organization with Jeff Brown as the owner.


True Bottom Line:  The Maryland Patriot Guard is not going anywhere. Regardless of the outcome of this trademark battle, the Old Line State Guard will continue to honor our Military KIAs, Veterans and First-Responders.  Every flag line Rider in Maryland/DC makes up this organization.  As long as you fire up your scoots or cages, grab your gear and your US Flags, we will keep that name and we will continue to perform our mission.  

Because it is the right thing to do.

Thanks,

Azmo