Exclusive | Mattel drops bizarre ‘Coffee with Ken’ podcast trademark challenge…
The host of the political podcast “Coffee with Ken” has prevailed in a curious trademark dust-up with Mattel. The toy maker has agreed to drop its challenge to the show’s trademark application on the condition that the program avoids discussing toys, dolls, or fictional characters derived from them, according to an October 14 filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The filing also specifies the podcast will remain aimed at an adult audience.
“Coffee with Ken,” hosted by Ken Biberaj, regularly features policymakers and business leaders such as Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and billionaire investor David Rubenstein. Biberaj, a Washington, DC-based real estate executive and former chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, said he accepted the terms to end the six-month dispute without further drama. “The show was never about dolls, toys, or the beach,” he said. “It’s always been about real conversation with real people.”
What Mattel wanted
Mattel argued that consumers might think “Coffee with Ken” was connected to its Ken doll line from the Barbie franchise. The company pointed to its Barista Ken doll—complete with apron and man bun—as one potential source of confusion. In May, Mattel formally opposed Biberaj’s trademark application, contending the podcast’s name could damage the brand that’s enjoyed a renewed spotlight following last year’s blockbuster Barbie film, which featured Ryan Gosling as Ken.
Under the settlement reflected in the USPTO filing, “Coffee with Ken” agreed not to include segments about toys or dolls, nor discussions of fictional characters based on them. Keeping the show targeted to adult listeners was also part of the deal. With those conditions in place, Mattel withdrew its objection.
Reaction and context
The clash drew widespread skepticism from observers, with some commentators mocking the idea that listeners would confuse a policy-oriented interview show with a toy brand. One quipped in July that public officials who appeared on the podcast certainly didn’t think they were talking to a doll. Biberaj also publicly defended his position on social media during the dispute.
With the challenge lifted, Biberaj says the podcast is now on track to secure federal trademark registration for its five-year-old brand. He previously ran for New York City Council in 2013, and his family owns the iconic Russian Tea Room in Midtown Manhattan.
Mattel’s reputation for brand defense
Mattel has a long history of vigorously protecting its intellectual property. The company famously pursued legal action against the band Aqua over the 1990s hit “Barbie Girl,” a case that ultimately ended when the Supreme Court declined to take it up in 2003. Mattel also squared off with Burberry over the fashion house’s “BRBY” mark, arguing it sounded too close to “Barbie.” Burberry later withdrew that application.
What’s next for “Coffee with Ken”
The settlement means new episodes can proceed without legal cloud—just without toy talk. Expect more conversations with elected officials, investors, and cultural figures, as Biberaj continues the show’s original focus on policy, business, and civic life. The brand, he says, is about brewing substantive dialogue, not plastic playthings.
