Mattel has initiated a lawsuit against a political podcaster based in Washington, DC, asserting the unusual claim that viewers might mistakenly connect his show to its Barbie brand, The Post has learned.

The toy company has filed a complaint with the US Patent and Trademark Office concerning Coffee with Ken, a YouTube program hosted by Ken Biberaj, a real estate executive in DC and former chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

The podcast, which airs twice a month and features guests such as Sen. Joe Manchin, billionaire David Rubenstein, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., received preliminary trademark approval in 2023.

We strive to focus our topics at the intersection of the public, private and social impact sectors, said Biberaj, noting that the show now boasts 20,000 viewers per episode and hosts live events that can draw upwards of 200 attendees. 

I dont think anyone expected a doll to interview a governor, Biberaj told The Post.

Nevertheless, Mattel insists that Coffee with Ken could create confusion about whether its associated with Barbies squeaky-clean, beach-loving boyfriend, according to court papers.

In particular, the El Segundo, Calif.-based company points to its Ken Barista doll a hipster with a man bun and an apron who pulls perfect espresso shots as proof of potential confusion. 

Its highly likely that a consumer will believe that [Coffee with Ken] could be the name of or related to a Ken line of dolls, Mattel claimed in its filing.

The Ken Barista doll is listed as discontinued on the official Barbie site, although it is still available at Walmart.com.

Mattel still riding high on the blockbuster Barbie movie where Ryan Gosling played a singing, rollerblading version of its beloved Ken filed its objection in May, insisting Coffee with Ken would damage the brand.

Meanwhile Biberaj, who ran for New York City Council in 2013 and whose family owns the iconic Russian Tea Room in Midtown Manhattan, claims Barbies big, deep-pocketed corporate parent is simply trying to push him around.

My actual name is Ken, Biberaj told The Post. Mattel shouldnt be able to block my trademark because of a doll.

Legal experts say Mattel might be overreaching.

Mattel could have difficulty sustaining its opposition, said trademark attorney Brad Rose of Pryor Cashman LLP. These are vastly different types of goods and audiences.

Biberajs attorney, Angela Gasperini Shin, called Mattels suit a classic case of trademark bullying.

They cant own the name Ken outside of dolls and toys, she said.

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Mattel is a fierce protector of its trademarks.

The company previously battled a Bronx entertainer over his Blac Ken moniker and famously tried to sue the band Aqua over their raunchy 90s hit Barbie Girl a case the Supreme Court refused to hear in 2003.

More recently, Mattel squared off against Burberry, claiming its BRBY trademark sounded too close to Barbie. Burberry eventually caved and dropped the application.

The Coffee with Ken case is in discovery and will eventually go before a trademark appeals court unless its settled.

Mattel declined to comment on the Coffee with Ken fight, citing pending litigation.