‘Swamp People’ Star Sues Louisiana Companies Over Catch-Phrases

Troy Landry from The History Channel’s “Swamp People” is accusing three companies of profiting from his “Choot Em” and other trademark-protected catch-phrases.

A federal lawsuit filed in Lafayette this week accuses Halpern Import Co., National Cap and Sportswear, and Ripple Junction Design Co. of using Landry’s trademarks “Choot Em,” “Tree Shaka,” “Tree Breaka” and “Mudda Fricka” on T-shirts, caps and display items for their goods.

The Advocate reports the lawsuit says Landry uses the trademarks on T-shirts, caps, sweatshirts, hoodies and other merchandise sold under the company name Troy Landry Productions, based in Pierre Part, La.

The suit accuses all three companies of soliciting business, executing contracts, licenses and selling infringing goods in stores located within the boundaries of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, which covers the Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lafayette and Lake Charles areas.

“Swamp People” follows a group of hunters through the 30-day alligator hunting season in the Atchafalaya Swamp.

The marks used by the defendants are strikingly similar to and in some cases literal verbatim copies of the Landry trademarks, according to the lawsuit.

The suit is asking the defendants to pay Landry all gains, profits and advantages derived by the sale of those alleged items, punitive damages and Landry’s attorney’s fees.

A search on the website trademarkia.com shows Landry also owns the trademark for his name, “Got Gator?” and “Choot Dat.” Nine trademarks were filed by Landry in 2010, according to the site.

A call seeking comment from National Cap and Sportswear was answered by Jay Halpern, who identified himself as president of Halpern Import Co. Halpern said National Cap and Sportswear is one of Halpern’s distributors. Halpern said he could not comment on pending litigation.

Calls to Ripple Junction Design Company and Church Point Wholesale were not immediately returned.