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Lizzie Borden's Hometown Museum Wins Rights to Name

Fall River bed and breakfast keeps accused murderer's brand local

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2009 5:32 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Lizzie Borden would be so proud. Merchandise bearing her name is now the exclusive property of her hometown Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, Mass., the Boston Globe reports. The B&B prevailed before the US Patent and Trademark Office in securing the rights to the infamous spinster’s name. The loser, a Salem shop formerly known as The True Story of Lizzie Borden, will have to make do under its new name: The 40 Whacks Museum.

“We wanted to protect our franchise,’’ said the B&B co-owner. “We want to keep the name and Lizzie Borden merchandise local, so people know they are buying something that comes from Fall River.’’ For the record, the 32-year-old Borden was acquitted in her parents' 1892 slayings, but that doesn't stop plastic hatchets and T-shirts with slogans such as "Everything I Need to Know About Anger Management I Learned From Lizzie Borden" from being hot sellers.

A doll meant to depict Lizzie Borden, left, appears with historic photographs of Borden in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, in Fall River, Mass., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.
A doll meant to depict Lizzie Borden, left, appears with historic photographs of Borden in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, in Fall River, Mass., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
In this Aug. 20, 2008, file photo, passers-by walk in front of the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, in Fall River, Mass.
In this Aug. 20, 2008, file photo, passers-by walk in front of the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, in Fall River, Mass.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
In this Aug. 20, 2008, file photo, a photograph of Lizzie Borden hangs on a wall in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, in Fall River, Mass.
In this Aug. 20, 2008, file photo, a photograph of Lizzie Borden hangs on a wall in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, in Fall River, Mass.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
brawne
Aug 26, 2009 5:38 AM CDT
Yeah--like it is way worse. Remember, the matricide too. She was the one who got 41. And her trial was bigger than OJ. And she got off in dear little Fall River because her all male jury freaked about the menstrual blood. First murderer to be saved by her period--and last.
Mad
Aug 26, 2009 4:16 AM CDT
Patricide is wholly different than killing your ex spouse and friend
Silverbow7
Aug 25, 2009 10:51 AM CDT
Lizzie Borden-the OJ of her time.
US

 
murder • museum • merchandise • Patent and Trademark Office • patent • license

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