The man trademarked “Haliburton” is at the centre of a controversy with the county and town of the same name.

Two years ago, recognizing one didn't exist, Michael Stinson applied for a trademark on the name Haliburton.

Much to the surprise of the county, it was accepted. According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, “The kinds of marks that you may not register include the following: Words that represent a geographical location commonly known to be the place or origin of such goods or services.”

“My passion was to do something unique with Haliburton and do something nationally to promote this great place,” says Stinson.

After retiring from a career in marketing that took him all across the county, Stinson now calls Haliburton home.

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce says an error was made in granting Stinson the trademark, but they've since helped him extend the olive branch to the county.

“Never did he ask once for royalties. Never did he once harass individuals based on the research we've completed,” says Richard Wannan, a spokesperson for the chamber.

The Reeve of Minden Hills Brent Devolin issued a statement saying, "From our point of view, with the trademark, we will retain it or the decision will be expunged."

Stinson says this has been one big misunderstanding and he plans to sit down with county officials to explain what happened and where the wires got crossed over the next few weeks.