When Cease and Desist Letters Go South
Lawyers send a cease and desist letter - a 12 page letter, no less - to a site that's selling "Canned Unicorn Meat."
Here is ThinkGeek's post, which highlights the letter, in all of its porky glory! The transgression? The fake "product" (released on April 1) infringes on the "The Other White Meat" marks held by the National Pork Board.
Here is ThinkGeek's post, which highlights the letter, in all of its porky glory! The transgression? The fake "product" (released on April 1) infringes on the "The Other White Meat" marks held by the National Pork Board.
Oops. The letter was very well researched, according to ThinkGeek, "except on one point."
If I were the National Pork Board, I'd just embrace the situation and offer up an apology. Maybe send over some free pork chops, or whatever it is that the National Pork Board provides.
The law firm should consider doing the same. At the very least, I'd spin this as a pro bono project, and offer a 100% discount on the fees charged to the National Pork Board.
If I were the National Pork Board, I'd just embrace the situation and offer up an apology. Maybe send over some free pork chops, or whatever it is that the National Pork Board provides.
The law firm should consider doing the same. At the very least, I'd spin this as a pro bono project, and offer a 100% discount on the fees charged to the National Pork Board.
Venkat,
When I saw this on my listserv today, I immediately had to wonder about the conversation that took place between the National Pork Board and Faegre. I doubt the Board itself keeps tabs on how its mark is being used, and so (I assume) Faegre convinced the Board that the C&D; was money well spent. Honestly, when we are discussing AFAs and the appropriate use of litigation dollars, this does not seem part of a well managed business plan.
Just my 2 cents.
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Agreed. 12 pages!
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