Musician Literally Wins Fight for Your Right to Party

Did you know that someone has literally been fighting for your right to party?

Or for legal use of the term "power hour," anyway. It's commonly known as a drinking game, during which players take one shot of beer every minute for an hour. The term was actually trademarked in 2010 by realtor Steve Roose, who markets a DVD game named "Power Hour."

Musician and party enthusiast Ali Spagnola has spent the past three years battling Roose over use of the term. Spagnola has an album titled Power Hour, that doubles as a drinking game. She developed and manufactured a shot glass USB as a way to distribute it.

SEE ALSO: Check Out This Keyboard Made of Beer Cans

In a very lengthy blog post about the entire process, Spagnola writes that she initially signed a contract allowing Roose to manufacture and sell her DVDs on his website and in stores. According to the post, Roose soon after dropped her product to focus on his own and then sent the "first of many" cease and desist letters.

Others using the term for business, such as the website Power Hour HQ and iPowerHour, also received cease and desist letters. Roose successfully had Power Hours taken down from YouTube, websites and software. Spagnola's album was removed from Amazon.

With help from Power Hour HQ founder Pete Berg, the Reddit community responded quickly to support the case. Roose backed down in 2010, but the court did not officially release the trademark until Dec. 31, 2012. Spagnola raised $5,700, but spent more than $30,000 throughout the long process.

To celebrate, Spagnola is planning the Power Hour Freedom Victory Tour. The campaign, launched on Indiegogo, lets donators decide what cities she will tour. The goal is to visit 20 cities, but Spagnola says that it depends on the amount raised.

"If I'm fortunate enough to raise a ridiculous amount over my goal, I have plans to bring a full band with me, go to cities outside the U.S., get a tour bus, lighting, maybe some pyrotechnics and turn the show into an even bigger extravaganza," says Spagnola.

BONUS: 5 iPhone Cases That Can Open Your Beer

1. 1. iBottleopener

   This budget, utilitarian option is a simple hard shell case with a rubberized finish. The back is completely sealed, so you don't have to fear beer froth disasters.

   Students (of legal drinking age), take note -- as well as the plain black version, there's a range of popular college designs available, too.

   Cost: $19.95

   

2. 2. Opena

   The result of a successful Kickstarter project, the Opena is available in black or white.

   Its slide-out stainless steel design is a sleek way to avoid any unsightly humpback effect, making for a good-looking case that doubles as a great party trick.

   Cost: $39.95

   

3. 3. HeadCase Bottle Opener Case

   HeadCase's design boasts ribbing to protect your phone against the pressure of pop-tops, and is also moisture-proof.

   In addition to the camo design pictured, it comes in black and a range of NFL team designs, making it perfect for football fans.

   Cost: From $19.95

   

4. 4. Intoxicase+

   The industrial-looking Intoxicase+ is a little different. It has a small, collapsible, stainless steel mechanism that folds out to open your beer, and then pops back again when not in use.

   Cost: $45

   

5. 5. West|280 iOpener

   The iOpener features a thumb slider on the back of the case to pro- and retract the opener.

   With sleek, slimline dimensions and lightweight two-ounce construction, West|280 nevertheless claims it's "hammer-tough."

   Cost: $29.95

   

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, forgiss