Plumbing Companies Battle Over Rights To '867-5309'

[matcom]

<snip>

LINCOLN, R.I. -- A phone number that become popular in the early 1980s is the subject of a court battle.

Two plumbing companies are battling for rights to 867-5309, the number made popular by Tommy Tutone's 1982 hit single.

Two years ago, Gem Plumbing & Heating of Lincoln, R.I., trademarked the number. Gem's number works in the 401 area code in Rhode Island and the 617 area code in southern Massachusetts.

The company acquired the number after its original owner, Brown University, gave it up after growing weary of constant prank calls.

However, Florida-based Clockwork Home Services, also a plumbing company, uses a toll-free version of 867-5309 in New England.

A federal judge has barred Clockwork from using the number in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, effective this week. But Clockwork's lawyers say they'll fight on.

http://www.wftv.com/news/13352580/detail.html

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Hey - did you hear that a bunch of people are gettin' killed in Iraq? Yeah, I don't care, either.

Is American Idol on tonight?

[Deja Q]

2. Flush the lawsuit down the toilet; give the number to an escort service instead.

:hide:

[Deep13]

3. "...for a good crap call."

:shrug: