The Church of Jesus Christ Files New Arguments in Lawsuit Against Podcast Over Brand and Visual Identity Use

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has submitted new legal arguments in its ongoing dispute with John Dehlin, the host of the podcast “Mormon Stories.” The case, which has been before a federal court in Utah, centers on the use of branding, logos, and visual elements that the Church claims could mislead the public into believing the podcast has an official relationship with the organization.

The lawsuit, filed in April 2026, names Dehlin and the Open Stories Foundation, the organization behind the podcast, as defendants. The Church’s latest filing emphasizes that the dispute is not solely about the name “Mormon Stories,” but rather about how that name is presented alongside other visual elements that resemble those used by the Church. This combination, the Church argues, could create a false impression of endorsement or affiliation.

According to the Church’s legal documents, the issue has been a concern since 2016, when “Mormon Stories” began using a combination of name, colors, typography, and design elements that the Church claims imitate its own visual identity. One of the key points raised is the use of a representation of Christ, a symbol closely associated with the Church. The Church also highlighted the unauthorized use of its photographs by the podcast.

Dehlin acknowledged that “Mormon Stories” had used some of the Church’s images without permission. However, he argued that this use could be protected under the principle of fair use. In response to the Church’s requests, the podcast removed the specified images from its website and from the thumbnails of its episodes. Dehlin also made changes to the visual identity of the podcast, including altering the color and style of its logo.

Another significant aspect of the case involves the inclusion of disclaimers stating that “Mormon Stories” is not an official project of the Church. Dehlin confirmed that these warnings were incorporated into the podcast’s descriptions. Despite these changes, the Church maintains that the combination of elements continues to pose a risk of consumer confusion.

The Church’s legal team has made it clear that the case does not seek to prevent Dehlin from using the term “Mormon” or from expressing criticism of the Church. Instead, the focus remains on protecting the Church’s intellectual property and preventing any misleading association with its brand. This case reflects broader concerns about the boundaries of free speech and the protection of religious institutions’ reputations in the digital age.

The legal battle underscores the challenges faced by religious organizations in navigating the complexities of modern media and branding. As the case moves forward, it will likely raise important questions about the balance between free expression and the rights of institutions to safeguard their identity and public perception.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)