Subj : Removal
To   : Tony Campbell
From : Sean Dennis
Date : Tue Sep 11 2001 02:33 pm

Hello, Tony.

On Tuesday September 11 2001 at 14:27, Tony Campbell wrote to Art Johnston:

 >> But, there is no trademark, copywrite or other means by which
 >> someone can obtain for "Initials" (ie: USIIA).

 TC> 1) Except he used the full trademark name in the elist entry. 2)
 TC> Example: IBM

 >> You are mis-informed.

 TC> Sorry, you are.

Unless the trademark holder can prove without a shadow of a doubt that Bobby 
was maliciously using their trademark or trying to make a profit using their 
trademark, it will be hard to hold up in court.  I've had a bit of experience 
with it (meaning helping my mom trademark her business name).  So, basically, 
yeah, whomever owns the trademark could go after Bobby, but it would be a waste 
of their time and money to do so.  I don't think that Bobby meant any harm in 
doing what he did, whether it was right or wrong.

According to your train of thought, every time we use the trademark "Fidonet" 
without Tom Jennings' express permission, we are open to a lawsuit.  Do you 
know anything about the "fair use" clause?  For example, anyone can use up to 
the first eight bars of a song's melody without having to pay for royalty 
rights?

I'm not trying to start an arguement or get you irate.  I'm simply stating my 
experience with this subject.  Anyone can trademark anything for $375 with the 
Library of Congress.  Whether or not it's enforcable is a different matter 
entirely.

Later,
Sean

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