I found this greatly amusing and therefore stole the following from the Wikipedia:
The name “Postal Service” was chosen due to the way in which the band produced their songs. Jimmy would write the music then send DAT tapes to Ben, who would edit the song as he saw fit, adding his vocals along the way, and send them back to Jimmy via “Postal Service”. In 2004, however, the United States Postal Service sent the band a cease and desist letter citing their trademark on the phrase “postal service.” After negotiations, the USPS relented, allowing the band use of the trademark in exchange for promotional efforts on behalf of the USPS and a performance at their annual National Executive Conference. Additionally, the USPS website sells the band’s CDs.
Furthermore, it was reported on Pitchforkmedia on 16 January 2007 that UPS is using a track from Give Up, “Such Great Heights,” for their TV and online advertising. This has been confirmed, as the commercials began airing shortly after the report came out.
“Well sure boys, you can have the name of a government agency, just give us a free concert and let us sell your CD’s at the post office.” Hilarious!
That is funny.
I kind of fail to see how the USPS can hold a trademark on “postal service” besides that they are part of the government and in it’s arrogance can do anything. Postal service is the generic term for the service that sends and receives packages… Nothing special about it… Other countries have their own, we have other postal services besides the all-important United States Postal Service.
That is pretty awesome though how the band produced their music.