Letter from the Editor
It has been over a year since my last posting on
May 23, 2023.
You may have wondered why . . .
I started this endeavor in February 2023.
When people asked me to make a webpage I decided I needed a logo to use. I chose to use the Plainfield "P".
Prior to using the Plainfield "P", I checked to make sure that there were no trademarks issued, at state or federal levels, for the Plainfield "P". There were none.
I also checked Indiana law regarding trademarks. Indiana Code 24-2-1-3 states that a mark MAY NOT be registered if it consists or comprises the flag, coat of arms, or other insignia of a state or municipality.
So I created my logo and set about sharing the information I was learning about the Town of Plainfield.
In May 2023, the Town of Plainfield filed for and received trademarks for the Plainfield "P" from the Indiana Secretary of State.
In June 2023, the Town of Plainfield had their lawyers contact me about using the Plainfield "P". We did not agree about whether or not I could use it.
I decided to refrain from making any postings until impending legal issues were settled.
On August 28, 2023, the Town Council voted to seek all means necessary to prevent the Town of Plainfield's Indiana Registered Trademark from unauthorized use by Kimberly A. White.
On December 8, 2023, the Town of Plainfield filed suit against me. The process server left a note on the door of my residence on December 14, 2023. I called him that evening and I was officially served on December 16, 2023. Merry Christmas to me.
The case has been ongoing in the county court system since then. You may access the court records here.
Prior to the final hearing for my case, on May 2, 2024, the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library made a post on Facebook about the creation of the Plainfield "P".
Suprisingly . . . I lost. I am not allowed to use the Plainfield "P" on my website, business cards, email, and/or other communications.
I am in the process of appealing the Honorable Mark Smith's decision, which is my right to do. You may access the appellate court records here, although there are not many records at this time.
You may wonder why I am fighting such a simple thing - using the Plainfield "P". It's principle. I am fighting for what I believe is right and I have the will and temperament to go the distance.
I've never stopped gathering information about the Town of Plainfield that I think would be of interest to you.
So today I start again, with renewed vigor. There's a lot to be shared. I will post as much and as often as I can.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about things to investigate, please contact me here or at plainfieldtidbit@gmail.com.
Kim White