Today is the Libertarian Party of Wyoming’s convention.
Our affiliate will be hearing two discussion points that Wyoming is considering bringing to the JC.
1. The bylaws have strict requirements for affiliate autonomy, the LNC has violated the bylaws by using the trademark to infringe upon affiliate autonomy, using an asset to expand authority that is expressly forbidden under the autonomy bylaws. The LNC is attempting to use trademark litigation to accomplish violations of state autonomy it can not within the bylaws. Even if the LNC owns a trademark, ownership of a trademark cannot create powers that the bylaws do not grant.
Proposed Remedy:
A declaration that the LNC may not use Party trademarks in a manner inconsistent with affiliate autonomy, including using trademark litigation or threats of litigation to punish, coerce, or interfere with affiliates based upon disagreements regarding strategy, messaging, leadership, or internal governance..
Issue 2: Validity of the Purported Disaffiliation of the Libertarian Party of New Mexico
The question presented is whether the LNC violated the autonomy protections guaranteed to the Libertarian Party of New Mexico and failed to comply with the procedures required by the bylaws, rendering the purported disaffiliation invalid and without effect.
If the LNC exceeded its authority, interfered with affiliate autonomy, or failed to follow mandatory bylaw procedures, then the resulting action may be void ab initio, void from the beginning.
Proposed Remedy:
A declaration that the purported disaffiliation of the Libertarian Party of New Mexico was invalid and without effect.
Restoration of LP New Mexico’s status as the recognized affiliate.
A declaration that future disputes between the LNC and affiliates must be resolved through means consistent with affiliate autonomy and the requirements of the bylaws rather than through actions exceeding the authority granted by those bylaws.
The Judicial Committee has no jurisdiction on those unless they submit the required number of signatures AND cite a specific decision. They can’t just up and say, “Oh, today we’re going to appeal something from months and even years ago to the JC.”
LPWY seems to be stuck in sour grapes mode. Pathetic.
This is nonsensical without even arguing about TM. The LPNM unquestionably disaffiliated themselves. The LNC did not have to do anything. The specific further controls the general in the bylaws. There is a strict 30 day window to appeal a disaffiliation and that right belongs to the former affiliate. There are no “autonomy” rights to a non-affiliate though that also is misconstrued above, it doesn’t matter. The whole thing implodes based on just these facts.