The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has initiated legal action against the Mormon Stories podcast, alleging trademark infringement and unauthorized use of copyrighted imagery that creates confusion among its members.

Trademark and Copyright Dispute

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has filed a formal lawsuit against the independent podcast platform, Mormon Stories, operated by John Dehlin. The central claim revolves around trademark and copyright infringement, with the Church asserting the podcast intentionally uses branding and imagery to mislead the public about its source and affiliations.

Historical Branding and Public Confusion

According to the court filing, the Church argues the term “Mormon” has been intrinsically linked to its identity for nearly two centuries. The unauthorized use of this branding by third parties, the Church contends, causes significant confusion among current and potential members who may mistakenly believe the podcast is officially endorsed or produced by the institution.

Similar Logos and Imagery

Legal representatives for the Church state that Mormon Stories adopted a blue logo with a light-ray aesthetic remarkably similar to visual identifiers used by the religious organization. The lawsuit claims this design choice demonstrates a deliberate attempt to capitalize on the Church’s established reputation.

Continued Use Despite Requests

The lawsuit highlights instances where the podcast allegedly continued to use protected imagery even after private discussions between Church officials and Dehlin. While the Church requested a clear disclaimer at the beginning of each episode to clarify the podcast’s independent status, the lawsuit alleges subsequent actions, including the use of temple photography for promotional materials, showed insufficient or intentional disregard for compliance.

Protecting Brand Integrity

Beyond trademark concerns, the lawsuit emphasizes the importance of maintaining brand integrity for a global organization. The Church clarifies it does not seek to suppress the podcast’s content or opinions, respecting principles of free speech.

Preventing Misleading Information

However, the Church maintains a duty to ensure its millions of members and those seeking information can easily identify and trust official materials. By distinguishing between authorized information and third-party commentary, the Church aims to prevent the erosion of trust caused by misleading unaffiliated sources. The outcome of the legal proceedings may set precedents regarding religious trademark rights, digital media, and terminology usage.