Y’all, I want to talk about beans. And capitalism. And stupidity and greed. You know, the American Way.

Now Bean Clubs, ie people who trade beans, have been around forever. US clubs as far back as the 1800s, and the 4H Club has had an active Bean Club since the 1930s.

But #RanchoGordo has expensive beans for rich white people, and trademarked the term #BeanClub, and is threatening to sue anyone who uses the term. This has got to be one of the stupidest trademark claims I have ever seen. (Edit: I used copyright where I should have used trademark.)

They have literally sent cease and desist letters to heirloom bean growers and distributors.

Y’all, beans. We’re talking about beans. Late stage capitalism is so goddamn stupid. I’m tempted to go start a porn site called BeanClub, just for the giggles of it.

https://www.today.com/food/news/rancho-gordo-bean-club-trademark-cease-and-desist-rcna267350