Hormel is the maker of SPAM luncheon meat, trademarked since 1937. SPAM is a distinctive, widely recognized name. Over $5 billion worth of SPAM has been sold over the years. Hormel sued Jim Henson Productions for trademark infringement for using a Muppet character "Spa'am" in its Muppet Treasure Island movie.
"Spa'am is the high priest of a tribe of wild boars that worships Miss Piggy as its Queen Sha Ka La Ka La.. Henson hopes to poke a little fun at Hormel's famous luncheon meat by associating its processed, gelatinous block with a humorously wild beast." The district court denied Hormel's request for an injunction against the name Spa'am. Do you think Hormel could win on appeal? Why? [Hormel Foods v. Jim Henson Productions, 73 F.3d 497, 2nd Cir. (1996)]