BOPA Issues Statement Regarding Lawsuit Against What Works Studio

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)-- The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts announced Thursday that contracted work completed by various partners including What Works Studio, Inc. will  now be activated in-house by BOPA.

Bill Gilmore, the executive director of BOPA says the "move is not only fiscally responsible, it is necessary to optimize future event operations to make Light City Baltimore possible."

After months of attempting to resolve this matter the Mayor and the City Council of Baltimore, Baltimore Festival of the Arts Inc. (BFAI), and BOPA had no choice but to seek a judicial determination of the issue.  They accordingly filed suit on October 19, 2016, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against WWS and its owners.

"The logos, trade names, trademarks, and service marks that BFAI and BOPA first used in commerce in connection with Light City Baltimore 2016 are critical to the success of future Light City Baltimore festivals," said Gilmore. "It remains our sincere hope that WWS and its principals recognize the importance of legal compliance and the need for BOPA to protect event assets. It is imperative that all the positive momentum created in 2016 is not inhibited as hundreds work diligently to make next year's event in Baltimore, Light City Baltimore 2017, even more exciting."

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