Two Plumbing Companies Go To Court Over Phone Number From Lame Song From 25 Years Ago

The two companies are battling for rights to the phone number “867-5309,” which was made popular by Tommy Tutone’s 1982 hit single of the same name.

Two years ago, Gem Plumbing & Heating of Lincoln, R.I., trademarked the number. Gem’s number works in the 401 area code in Rhode Island and the 617 area code in southern Massachusetts.

The company acquired the number after its original owner, Brown University, gave it up after growing weary of constant prank calls.

However, Florida-based Clockwork Home Services, also a plumbing company, uses a toll-free version of 867-5309 in New England.

A federal judge has barred Clockwork from using the number in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, effective this week. But Clockwork’s lawyers say they’ll fight on.

JOKESTARTERS:

• Nothing gets business like using a phone number from a 25-year old song. Very smart expenditure of your business dollars folks.
• In a related development, two Pittsburgh awning companies are in court, fighting over rights to the phone number “Pennsylvania 6-5000.”

SOURCE:

• WLWT.com