High Court Upholds CBS Loss of Rights to ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy’

The Supreme Court today let stand a ruling that CBS Inc. no longer enjoys trademark protection for the “Amos ‘n’ Andy” radio and television shows.

The justices, without comment, refused to review a federal appeals court ruling that CBS abandoned the trademarks when, under pressure from civil rights groups, it suspended commercial use of the shows.

The asserted trademarks were challenged by Stephen M. Silverman, who wants to produce a musical play based on the “Amos ‘n’ Andy” shows and their characters.

The case now returns to a federal judge in New York City, who is to rule on other aspects of the dispute. Today’s high court action does not remove all legal hurdles confronting Silverman.