Toddler's website in trademark dispute 122
Edmond Howser
wrote in with
this story about Archie Comics writing to
the owner of the veronica.org
website, asking him to "cease all use of the Internet domain
"Veronica.org," all use of the Veronica trademark," and
hand over the domain to
Archie Comics. Turns out the website
is about Veronica, a toddler... The story also mentions your
contribution in helping Ajax.org.
Perhaps we can help Veronica by expressing our disappointment to
Archie Comics' Feedback Page.
Colour me cynical... (Score:1)
Sorry, it's her name (Score:1)
Of course, there is no doubt in my mind that Archie comics is hoping that these people cave without researching the issue.
Sorry, it's her name (Score:1)
Work smarter not harder... (Score:1)
I'd like to see someone that has "a clue"(TM) about trademarks and the Internet step up and give those of us that don't have a full grasp on all the issues, a place to aim our Congress Critters and get the law changed to something more reasonable.
I don't have a lot of sympathy for Archie Comics, however maybe some of you have forgotten or weren't around here when the whole Linux trademark debacle took place. Also remember those that advocate nailing linux.org with trademark infringement. We wanted Linus to do exactly the same things that Archie Comics is doing right now.
betty.org (Score:1)
It should be noted here that betty.org is not a registered domain name, so does anyone with $70 to throw around want to annoy Archie Comics?
archie comics and email (Score:1)
so, i hit the page listed, and look for specific email addresses of people at the company - mikes@archiecomics.com; richg@archiecomics.com; chuckg@archiecomics.com; paulc@archiecomics.com - executive producers and the like. and i get spammed with four identical letters, mentioning "All e-mail is directed to the appropriate
editor within ArchieComics Online." and thanks for writing. i'd buy betty.org in a heartbeat if i had the money, but the semester just started. email archie comics, or each of the people above, and let them know how ridiculous this is, eh ?
The bastards! (Score:1)
--
This is on news.com too (Score:1)
Hmm... (Score:1)
Someone should really create a "Lawyers Hall of Shame" page to commemorate the stupidity, greed, and thuggery of those who bully individuals with frivolous legal threats over domain names.
Uh, that was his point... (Score:1)
Highly relevent (Score:1)
Besides, there's always the old standby:
hahaha (Score:1)
It's part of owning a trademark (Score:1)
It would help if they would stick to defending their trademark against real infringement. Otherwise, they might as well just mass mail their demand letter:
John Smith (or current resident): It has come to our attention that because you may be able to read and write, you could also possably infringe upon our trademark. If you are doing so, cease and desist immediatly. blah,blah,blah.....
After all, they HAVE to defend their trademark!
Corrections (Score:1)
..and, of course, "hart less" should be "heartless"...I've seen that one a few times...I guess it's difficult cos it slips thru the spell checker.
dylan_-
--
Irrelevant (Score:1)
Feel the power of Slashdot (Score:1)
WTF does he hope to do with a
Oh great... (Score:1)
multiple lawsuits (Score:1)
Another letter to archiecomics.com (Score:1)
To Whom It May Concern,
I would like to add my voice of concern to the many you have already received regarding your dispute with the owners of the veronica.org domain. It seems unconscionable to lay claim to anything containing the common name of a character in your publication -- a name which can be traced etymologically for centuries.
Have you sued Hanna-Barabara for their use of the name "Betty" in "The Flintstones"? These two characters have peacefully coexisted for the last three decades; certainly your Veronica and this child can too.
I hope that this debacle can resolved amicably, and I encourage you to cease your legal threats against the Sams. Thank you for your time to consider this message.
Chris Prince
Jugheads! (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1)
jughead.org is already taken (Score:1)
No Subject Given (Score:1)
charectars are the closest thing to pre-teen porn
Ive ever seen. Ive seen hookers that wear more clothes then Betty or Veronica.
So let's do what's right (Score:1)
Pay attention (Score:1)
If your going to make a comment, at least look at all the information.
No Subject Given (Score:1)
It turns out that there are only 2 Veronica trademarks that have been registered numbers 1564500 and 1966658. Looking further, 1966658 is a trademark for the logo associated with the Veronica character, while 1564500 is for a typed drawing. These facts alone should be enough for NSI to laugh this one off (given of course that they've had their windectomy*). Because of this, there should never be any trademark infringement of domain names as common words can't be trademarked.
Does anyone else see it this way?
* For those who don't know, a windectomy is where a window is inserted into the abdomen so one can see where they're going with their head up their ass.
The letter I just sent... (Score:1)
From: Andrew Hobgood
To: talkback@archiecomics.com
Cc: mrhit@aol.com
Subject: VERONICA.ORG Domain Name: a plea for sanity
Hello there.
I'm a concerned netizen who finds your lack of regard for personal originality and personal freedoms (as well as civil liberties) a horrible example of corporate America.
By trying to get the young Veronica Sams (and her parents) to give up the domain "veronica.org," you're setting a poor example for other companies. This domain is clearly not in competition with yours in any way. Have you sued the developers of the Internet for their usage of the terms "Veronica" and "Archie" as Internet search tools that have been around for longer than the web? No, you haven't.
If you continue to disregard the possibility that this young girl (all of a eighteen months old, and very cute, I might add) is not out to get you and your profits, I'll be forced to begin a campaign among local comic collectors (many of which I'm close friends with) to denounce your company and the twisted ideals which you represent.
I find your closed-minded attempts to strip a toddler of her web presence to be highly deplorable and disgusting.
If you take action against Veronica Sams and her family, I suggest you also take action against the following (and this is by no means a comprehensive list):
- Owners of all the following domains:
veronica.nl
veronica.net
archie.org
jughead.org
betty.net
(ad nauseum)
- The following authors of common software programs:
Peter Deutsch, Alan Emtage, and Bill Heelan
(authors of the "Archie" FTP search tool released in 1990
University of Nevada
(authors of the "Veronica" Gopher search tool released, on Nov. 17 1992)
Rhett Jones (University of Utah)
(author of "Jughead", another Gopher search tool, released in 1993)
Recall, by no means is this a comprehensive list of all uses of your trademarks from the Archie Comic Book series. Make sure to eliminate all of them, or your precious earnings will be threatened by things completely outside of your market!
Thanks for your time,
/Andrew
Cute kid (Score:1)
No, this is Rob's site (Score:1)
--
Well said. (Score:1)
I realize that this is an IS news site, not a pro-anything-religious site, but I'd just like to say that seeing your comment has made my day. :)
Thanks.
The following sentence is true.
The previous sentence is false.
Sorry, it's her name (Score:1)
--
veronica.org dispute resolved (Score:1)
Doh! (Score:1)
On topic, however, I think we should do another petition.
My Letter (Score:1)
I wanted to offer my feedback about the whole veronica.org controversy-- it seems bizarre and even a little paranoid to think the public could confuse a web site about a little toddler with your strip.
Couldn't the money you're using to pay your lawyers be used for something more constructive-- maybe contribute it to the little girl's college fund or something? A little now would go a long way in her future. It could be a nice project maybe, to show solidarity and support for a real-life Veronica rather than try to take something away from this family.
Just my feedback.
W
Irrelevant - NOT (Score:1)
Something Odd? (Score:1)
But my first reaction to any obvious situation is to be skeptical. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. At this moment, I can't imagine a worse scenario for Archie Comics to be in. I'm sure their lawyers know little Veronica Sam isn't competing with their comic Veronica. I'm sure they know the ReadyWhip Bad PR potential of something like this. It just isn't worth it. To my mind, there's just gotta be something more to this.
Clue (Score:1)
Do you have a clue about how internic works???
Just because you can't ping a name (or browse it with IE) doesn't mean that it's not registered. You don't need an IP address to register a name.
(Clue: you can use 'whois' to find out registeration information about domains)
peter
Trademarks (Score:1)
I'm no lawyer either, but this might make sense if the alleged offenders were actually trying to develop another commercial interest. If Archie Comics is going after a common name, why don't they finish the job and demand that all people named Veronica turn over their names as well.
archiecomics.com -- MEGA cookies (Score:1)
domc
petition (Score:1)
What I sent to "talkback@archiecomics.com"... (Score:1)
I find it reprehensible that your company feels obliged to bully a small family owning the "veronica.org" domain name into giving up that name to your company. You already own "veronica.com" and don't even use it! More importantly, the trademark claim is meaningless. Trademarks only apply within a certain area, not across all of society.
If someone makes a comic character named "Veronica" that could be confused with yours, then pursue that for trademark infringement. Otherwise, don't flaunt your poor judgement and ignornance of trademark law by harassing people for any coincidental use of the name "Veronica" in a way that is clearly irrelevant to your comic character.
Any fool can see that your trademark claim to "veronica.org" is invalid. At best, this claim is gross negligence. At worst, it is fraudulent. Drop the issue, and hope that too many parents don't hear about this. Myself, I'm probably going to discourage my children from reading your comics as a result of this incident; I disapprove of any person or organization who acts in such a shoddy and shameful manner.
Trademarking a common name (Score:1)
Do archie comics even exist anymore? (Score:1)
Oh damn! (Score:1)
Amen to that. (Score:1)
Veronica's Closet (Score:1)
I'll copyright "world wide web" and screw you all! (Score:1)
Veronica.com (Score:1)
Slashdot should begin documenting cases of Net-stupidty such as this. After accumulating quite a few instances (which might take all of an hour), I bet some large media site would pick up on that pretty quickly.
petition (Score:1)
-Jae
My email (Score:1)
Please cease all actions against http://www.veronica.org/. It has been
reported on http://slashdot.org/ and http://www.news.com/ that you are
asking to have the veronica.org web site taken down and have the domain
turned over to you. This is not in good taste and goes against the
spirit of Archie Comics.
A close family friends owns several local comic book stores in the North
East Ohio area. After explaining the situation to him he is willing to
stop carrying all your comics and other items. He will also speak with
several other local owners and ask them to do the same. In addition I
will help veronica.org take legal action against you.
After this happens you will not be able to keep this out of the
international media. I don't think you want the entire planet to think
that your company is so hart less as to demand a family take down the
site they put up for their daughter.
I doubt you have the integrity to post this to your web page since you
filter the comments that are posted there for content. I would like an
email in response letting me know that you are dropping your action. If
not I will help to organize a boycott against your company, have this
reported to the national media, and provide legal action for rightful
owners of veronica.org.
Sincerely,
Jason Sares
Akron, Ohio
Internic Whois (Score:1)
Archie Original Art (ARCHIECOMICS-DOM)
c/o Archie Online, 325 Fayette Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Domain Name: ARCHIECOMICS.COM
Administrative Contact, Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
Chou, Michael (MC606) mchou@PAGEUPCOM.COM
212-777-2800
Billing Contact:
Chou, Michael (MC606) mchou@PAGEUPCOM.COM
212-777-2800
Record last updated on 04-Jun-97.
Record created on 15-Jul-96.
Database last updated on 15-Jan-99 07:09:42 EST.
Domain servers in listed order:
NS2.PAGEUP.NET 204.254.231.5
NS4.PAGEUP.NET 204.254.231.4
Law Firm (Score:1)
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
Charles W Grimes - Grimes & Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
George W Cooper - Grimes & Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
Gregory J Battersby - Grimes &Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
James G Coplit - Grimes & Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
Joan J Baird - Grimes & Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
Leora Herrmann - Grimes & Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
Melissa T Rosse - Grimes & Battersby
3 Landmark Sq # 405 Stamford, CT (203) 324-2828
Quote from Law Firm Partner (Score:1)
Q: What is a copyright?
A: Copyright protection is provided for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. That means one cannot copyright an idea, only the expression of the idea. The various categories of copyrightable works include:
literary works;
musical works, including accompanying words;
dramatic works, including accompanying music;
pantomimes and choreographic works;
pictorial, graphic and sculptural works;
motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
sound recordings; and
architectural works.
Copyright rights are limited in duration to a term of the life of the author plus 50 years for individuals, or a term of 75 years from the first publication or 100 years from creation (whichever expires first) for works made for hire by employees.
Copyright rights commence upon the creation of the underlying work, and registration is not absolutely required. Registration of a copyright claim with the U.S. Copyright Office, however, is a prerequisite for commencing an action for copyright infringement.
Copyright applications are frequently filed without the services of an attorney and are the biggest bargain in the intellectual property field. The current copyright filing fee is $20 per application, and it typically takes about six weeks for the Copyright Office to process the application and issue a registration. No separate foreign filing is required. The U.S. filing achieves rights in all countries adhering to the Universal Copyright Convention or Berne Convention.
(Answers provided by Greg Battersby, Grimes & Battersby, Three Landmark Square, Stamford, CT 06901)
More Internic Whois (Score:1)
David Sams Industries (VERONICA3-DOM)
505 South Beverly Drive, suite
1017 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 US
Domain Name: VERONICA.ORG
Administrative Contact:
DiAngelo, Rio (RD4076) rio@HIGHERSOURCE.COM
310 -281 -8434
Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
Web Sites Now Hostmaster (HRA11-ORG) hostmaster@WEBSITESNOW.COM
310-553-7000x260
Fax: 310-786-8349
Billing Contact:
Sams, David (DS9384) mrhit@AOL.COM
310-772-0770 (FAX) 310-772-0714
Record last updated on 15-Dec-98.
Record created on 04-Nov-97.
Database last updated on 15-Jan-99 07:09:42 EST.
Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.WORLDSITE.NET 209.134.30.4
NS2.WORLDSITE.NET 209.134.30.5
Info on David Sams Industries (Score:1)
Video/Multimedia/Electronic Marketing Infomerical Producers:
David Sams Industries Inc. * 505 S Beverly Drive Suite 1017 * Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Phone: 310.440.2550 Fax: 310.440.2552
David Sams Posting to Sell a Domain (Score:1)
travel.tm
Posted by David Sams Industries Inc. on February 11, 1998 at 00:38:19:
make us an offer we can't refuse
this url is priceless
More David Sams Info (Score:1)
The CCM Update's Second Annual Year-end Countdown
Top 15 Impact-makers of 1998
In a year of presidential scandals, landmark space flights and an unforgettable home run race, the Christian music industry saw few "firsts" or watershed moments. The exodus of key executives and industry veterans will likely be the year's hallmark, the impact of which will significantly impact 1999.
On the philosophical front, the debate that began in '97 on what makes Christian music "Christian" continued this year as more gray areas emerged and artists and labels further explored general-market possibilities. Christian radio was challenged to think deeply about the decision to add or not add a song and in an aggressive move, the Gospel Music Association went so far as to adopt a concrete definition of gospel music.
As in '97, there were a multitude of news-makers to pick from for this year's list, however the top 15 events best represent '98 and will inevitably be springboards for '99's impact-makers. The countdown begins:
...
13: Christian Music Sees Increased TV Exposure
Christian music saw increased TV exposure in 1998 as Time-Life Music advertised its first-ever Christian music compilation series, "Songs 4 Life," via direct-response TV ads. In June, David Sams Industries,, Family Christian Stores and Christian Network Inc. launched four weekly TV shows focused on Christian music and its artists. Home Shopping Network co-founder Lowell "Bud" Paxson also launched the seventh TV network, PAX-TV in August.
Archie Comics Auto Response (Score:1)
Your submission is greatly appreciated!
All e-mail is directed to the appropriate
editor within ArchieComics Online.
We love the mail we receive, and read
every bit of it usually more than once.
Whenever you want to write us, be sure to
send your e-mail to a specific address at
archiecomics.com such as pt@archiecomics.com .
(If you respond to this automated message,
only a computer will reply!)
Write us again, soon!
Your Friends at ArchieComics Online
A good example (Score:1)
slow news day? (Score:1)
Veronica.com (Score:1)
Lawyers, big four (Score:1)
But that's beside the point: the point is, these lawyers seem to have absolutely no common sense. IMHO they should all be sent back to school to learn some of this basic knowledge. Or else they should all be fired. Gee. Take a case they have absolutely no background knowledge about.
My letter (Score:1)
By your actions, you are suggesting that all those persons in the world named "Veronica" have names owned by another entity -- an idea as outlandish as it is ludicrous. I would be absolutely insulted were a corporation to sue or harass the owners of the Thomas.com or Tom.com domain names (whoever those owners might be), and insist that the name "Thomas" or "Tom" belong solely to that corporation. I am no less insulted by the implications of your current actions.
I wholeheartedly recommend that Archie Comics immediately cease all harassment of the owners of the Veronica.org domain name. I look foward to hearing from you.