Democratic congressional candidate Christina Bohannan’s campaign has agreed to pull a television ad following a cease-and-desist letter from the University of Iowa over an alleged trademark infringement. The letter came after an attorney for Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ campaign raised concerns about the unauthorized use of a university trademark in Bohannan’s recent ad. Bohannan, a UI law professor, is running to unseat Miller-Meeks for the 1st Congressional District in Southeast Iowa. Bohannan’s campaign argued that the T-shirt worn in the ad was custom-designed and did not use any university trademarks. The campaign is in the process of removing the ad from broadcast and digital platforms as per pre-planned media schedules. The campaign also criticized the university for selective enforcement, pointing out instances where Miller-Meeks has used university property in her campaign materials. UI officials, Miller-Meeks’ campaign, and Bohannan’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment. The Bohannan campaign described the cease-and-desist letter as a political stunt to distract voters from Miller-Meeks’ record of receiving special interest money. The letter also noted that Miller-Meeks has used university-related imagery in her campaign materials.
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