Man gives judge a bill for royalties on name
Associated Press
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- Frederick James thinks his name is worth a bundle.

Claiming he has copyrighted the use of his name and is due royalties on its use, James sent the judge overseeing his drug case a hefty $151 million bill.

James claims judges and his public defender have used his name 302 times in court proceedings and he charges authorities $500,000 every time they speak or write his name.

But officials at the U.S. Copyright Office said it does not allow names to be legally protected from another's use.

U.S. District Judge Michael J. Reagan ruled Monday that James is not mentally impaired, can stand trial and can represent himself against marijuana dealing and weapons charges.

James is charged with dealing less than 50 kilograms of marijuana and various firearms violations. He could face up to 20 years in prison.

Before ruling on James' mental state, the judge asked, "Do you not think it's bizarre that you charge people to use your name?"

"It's my private property," James replied.