Mormon Stories lawsuit filing cites Heather Gay trademark battle with Church
October 1, 2026 at 7:03 AM MT · via ABC4 Utah · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting
A new motion to dismiss in the lawsuit between Mormon Stories Podcast and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cites the Church's trademark dispute with Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Heather Gay as evidence the lawsuit should be dismissed, according to ABC4. The filing argues that the Church's opposition to Gay's "Bad Mormon" trademark application undermines its claims against Mormon Stories.
The Church sued Mormon Stories and founder John Dehlin in 2026 over use of the word "Mormon" in the podcast's name and related ventures. Dehlin's legal team argues that the Church's challenge to Gay's trademark—while simultaneously claiming not to enforce "Mormon" against critics—demonstrates selective enforcement that weakens the Church's position. The trademark office and court filings in both cases are now connected in the legal arguments.
The case has drawn attention from First Amendment advocates and religious-liberty scholars. Gay, who left the Church and has been vocal about her exit, applied to trademark "Bad Mormon" for her book and related products.
More coverage of this story
- YouTube / Mormonish Podcast →September 30, 2026 at 7:52 AM MT
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