So there’s an ad campaign racing around the web that has absolutely everyone talking about it and what does the advertiser do? They send a cease and desist letter trying to hush the millions of FREE mentions they are getting all over the web. You can’t talk about shoes this week without mentioning PUMA. So the ads are a bit risque and, of course fake, but what more could a company want then the entire web talking about their company? Apparently they want us to shut up as illustrated in the letter from PUMA below:
March 12, 2003
Re: Unauthorized PUMA Image
Dear Sir or Madam:
It has come to PUMAs attention that an unauthorized, sexually suggestive and
defamatory image portraying the PUMA brand is currently being depicted on the Internet
web site https://adrants.rantworks.com, a site which I understand is owned and controlled
by your company.
Please be advised that such offensive image was created without our knowledge or
consent and is extremely damaging to the PUMA brand. Your intentional publication of
the image will likely injure PUMAs reputation/ good name and excite adverse and
derogatory opinions against PUMA. The image is obviously defamatory in nature and
PUMA will not tolerate its continued use.
Further, your use of the offensive image infringes upon the trademark rights of PUMA in
that it unlawfully depicts PUMAs registered trademarks, which are protected under
various unfair competition and trademark laws and have been used by PUMA for many
years.
Based on the foregoing, PUMA demands that you IMMEDIATELY cease and desist
from all further display, use and publication of the offensive PUMA image. If you fail to
comply with these demands, please be assured that PUMA will vigorously protect its
rights and will take all action necessary, including but not limited to, bringing a claim for
damages and/ or injunctive relief. Nothing in this letter shall be construed as limiting, in
any way, PUMAs legal/ equitable rights.
Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.
Sincerely,
PUMA
Gawker’s Response to PUMA: Open Letter to PUMA
