MOVIES - June 13, 1988

Universal Pictures’ has a problem with “The Great Outdoors.” Outdoor adventure TV producer Robert Slatzer has notified Universal to “cease and desist” use of his trademarked title “The Great Outdoors” as the title of its upcoming John Hughes-produced film starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy. But--as Universal is discovering--that is virtually impossible, since the ad campaign is already in full swing, with billboards up and ads in newspapers. Universal even contracted with an outside title search firm to research whether the name had been used before. Slatzer intends to seek damages from Universal if he is forced to take the studio to court.