Protecting Trademarks in copy?

Yeah, my buddy/boss's text to me (we started the publication together, he does sales and I do editorial) was "Yeah, screw that guy. Also, get the names right of the people you are emailing." (The cold call email started with "Hi Tony!" (neither of us have that name, and my name is listed on the article.)) LOL

I just always appreciate some outside perspective from fellow journos. And thanks for helping me see I didn't point out I cover the industry, not work in it. I made the adjustment in the OP.

 

I hear they play both kinds of music. Country AND Western.

 

They can ask, and you can say no.

If you're able to easily find the name - experimental, numerical, nickname, bathroom stall name, whatever -- online, and it's not factually incorrect, stick with your guns. They're doing their PR job and you're doing your reporting job. If they don't like it, buy an ad or advertorial or the publication.

As a reader, if I knew about hops and brewing and learned that Simcoe or Citra previously was known as Exp: Beetledung 3928 it would be more interesting.

 

Ignore the trademark request but make the other change; you are publishing a trade mag now not a scientific journal so no need to jeopardize a potentially lucrative connection over something as inconsequential as this little phrase.

 

There's a major US container port that now attaches a copyright symbol to its name. We ignore it in our news copy.