The phrase "for Dummies" is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. (www.wiley.com). As such this phrase may not be used as a topic title in the Toytown Germany chat forum.
Below is the transcript of a letter which TT received from Wiley in 2005.
For more guidelines on topic titles, see: Forum topic titles
September 15, 2005
VIA EMAIL: **@toytownmunich.com
Re: Trademark Infringement of FOR DUMMIES®
“German politics for dummies�?
Dear Sir,
Wiley Publishing, Inc. (“Wiley�?), publisher of the well-known and well-regarded FOR DUMMIES® series of reference books and products has recently become aware of Toytown Munich’s use of the FOR DUMMIES® trademark in the form of a posting, “German politics for dummies,�? posted on its web site at http://www.toytowngermany.com/lofi/index.php/t22586.html on September 15, 2005.
As you may know, Wiley has over 100 trademark applications and registrations in the United States and other countries for the FOR DUMMIES® trademark, including the FOR DUMMIES® black and yellow trade dress, and many Dummies formatives. The FOR DUMMIES® mark appears not only in Wiley’s books and magazines, but also on trade and consumer advertising, catalogs, t-shirts, DVDs, points-of-sale displays, websites and other promotional and licensed materials distributed world wide. The FOR DUMMIES® series has been in existence since 1991 and has enjoyed tremendous success.
Due to the significant efforts undertaken by Wiley to promote and protect its trademarks, and because of the potential for confusion or dilution regarding the FOR DUMMIES® mark in the manner Toytown Munich has used Wiley’s trademark, Wiley requests that Toytown Munich include the following attribution language at the end of any postings, editorials or articles that may refer to the FOR DUMMIES® brand, and that you provide Wiley with written assurance of the same.
Attribution Language: FOR DUMMIES® is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and your respect for our trademark rights.
Sincerely,
/s/Kathleen Robbins
Kathleen Robbins
Trademark Coordinator
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
PH: 201.748.8607
krobbins@wiley.com