For those of you who don't know.... :buttwiggl to TF!!
FTD WINS LEGAL BATTLE FOR CHOICE AGAINST TELEFLORA
FTD's Win Allows Licensed RTI Users To Clear Credit Cards With FTD
And Allows FTD Users To Transfer Data From Dove Into Their FTD Systems
DOWNERS GROVE, IL. (August 23, 2004) - Florists' Transworld Delivery, Inc. ("FTD") announced today that on August 18, 2004, a Federal District Court in California issued orders which support FTD's efforts to provide choice for local retail florists and has blocked Teleflora's attempt to prevent FTD from supporting florists' right to choose between FTD and Teleflora technology.
"FTD believes in choice for our customers when it comes to every aspect of their business," said Michael Soenen, chief executive officer, FTD, Inc. "The Court's ruling is a tremendous win for retail florists who desire to do business with multiple wire services."
Ruling In Favor Of FTD Giving Licensed RTI Users The Ability To Clear Credit Cards With Third Party Vendors, Including FTD:
First, the Court issued a ruling with respect to florists' ability to use Teleflora's RTI software to process credit card transactions through vendors other than Teleflora. Prior versions of RTI provided this ability to florists, but in 2002 Teleflora modified its software to prevent florists from using any vendor other than Teleflora for credit card processing.
The Court stated that users of RTI who are licensed to use the prior versions of the software are free to reinstall the prior versions of the software and begin clearing credit cards with vendors other than Teleflora, including FTD.
For RTI users who are not clearing credit cards FTD but desire to do so:
RTI users who desire to clear credit cards through FTD merely need to reinstall their prior versions of the Teleflora software. For florists who do not have these prior versions, they may request the prior versions of the Teleflora software from Teleflora.
For RTI users who currently clear credit cards FTD:
For florists currently clearing credit cards with FTD, this order does not affect their operations and does not require any changes to their practices.
FTD had previously assisted florists who wanted help in clearing their credit cards through FTD. Per the Judge's order, FTD is no longer allowed to copy or distribute any RTI software files. In fact, FTD stopped this practice nearly a year ago when it was brought to FTD's attention that this may have created a copyright issue. Therefore, the Court's prohibition on FTD copying or distributing Teleflora's RTI software has no affect on FTD's operations.
Ruling In Favor Of Florists To Seamlessly Transfer Data From Dove Into Their FTD System:
The Court issued a second ruling allowing FTD to distribute its Wire Service Interface, which seamlessly transfers the data from a florist's Dove machine into their FTD system. The Court's ruling supports FTD's efforts to provide the florists with this technology, thereby allowing florists to operate more efficiently despite Teleflora's vigorous efforts to deny florists this choice.
FTD Continues The Fight For Choice:
FTD has filed a counterclaim against Teleflora in Federal Court, asserting that Teleflora's refusal to allow florists to switch freely back and forth between FTD and Teleflora when they send floral orders is an unfair business practice and anticompetitive. The Judge's August 18 order does not address FTD's counterclaims. FTD intends to pursue those counterclaims vigorously. FTD remains committed to seeing that florists are offered a choice when deciding how to run their businesses and will combat all companies, including Teleflora, that try to restrict choice.
Any questions about the Court's orders in this case can be directed to Jon Burney at FTD at 630-724-6729.
About FTD
FTD, Inc., supported by its worldwide FTD brand, is a leading provider of floral services and products. FTD's Florist Business primarily markets floral products and services to approximately 20,000 FTD members and other retail locations offering floral products in the U.S. and Canada and connects approximately 29,000 additional florists through affiliated or related organizations in 150 countries outside of North America. FTD's Consumer Business is a direct marketer of flowers and specialty gifts, primarily through the www.FTD.COM Web site and 1-800-SEND-FTD telephone number. Additional information about FTD is available at its Web site, www.FTDI.com.
Legal Contact
Jon Burney
FTD Inc.
3113 Woodcreek Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Tel: 630 724 6729
Email: [email protected] Press Contact
Bridget Carlson
FTD Inc.
3113 Woodcreek Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Tel: 630 724 6120
Fax: 630 724 6621
Email: [email protected]
FTD WINS LEGAL BATTLE FOR CHOICE AGAINST TELEFLORA
FTD's Win Allows Licensed RTI Users To Clear Credit Cards With FTD
And Allows FTD Users To Transfer Data From Dove Into Their FTD Systems
DOWNERS GROVE, IL. (August 23, 2004) - Florists' Transworld Delivery, Inc. ("FTD") announced today that on August 18, 2004, a Federal District Court in California issued orders which support FTD's efforts to provide choice for local retail florists and has blocked Teleflora's attempt to prevent FTD from supporting florists' right to choose between FTD and Teleflora technology.
"FTD believes in choice for our customers when it comes to every aspect of their business," said Michael Soenen, chief executive officer, FTD, Inc. "The Court's ruling is a tremendous win for retail florists who desire to do business with multiple wire services."
Ruling In Favor Of FTD Giving Licensed RTI Users The Ability To Clear Credit Cards With Third Party Vendors, Including FTD:
First, the Court issued a ruling with respect to florists' ability to use Teleflora's RTI software to process credit card transactions through vendors other than Teleflora. Prior versions of RTI provided this ability to florists, but in 2002 Teleflora modified its software to prevent florists from using any vendor other than Teleflora for credit card processing.
The Court stated that users of RTI who are licensed to use the prior versions of the software are free to reinstall the prior versions of the software and begin clearing credit cards with vendors other than Teleflora, including FTD.
For RTI users who are not clearing credit cards FTD but desire to do so:
RTI users who desire to clear credit cards through FTD merely need to reinstall their prior versions of the Teleflora software. For florists who do not have these prior versions, they may request the prior versions of the Teleflora software from Teleflora.
For RTI users who currently clear credit cards FTD:
For florists currently clearing credit cards with FTD, this order does not affect their operations and does not require any changes to their practices.
FTD had previously assisted florists who wanted help in clearing their credit cards through FTD. Per the Judge's order, FTD is no longer allowed to copy or distribute any RTI software files. In fact, FTD stopped this practice nearly a year ago when it was brought to FTD's attention that this may have created a copyright issue. Therefore, the Court's prohibition on FTD copying or distributing Teleflora's RTI software has no affect on FTD's operations.
Ruling In Favor Of Florists To Seamlessly Transfer Data From Dove Into Their FTD System:
The Court issued a second ruling allowing FTD to distribute its Wire Service Interface, which seamlessly transfers the data from a florist's Dove machine into their FTD system. The Court's ruling supports FTD's efforts to provide the florists with this technology, thereby allowing florists to operate more efficiently despite Teleflora's vigorous efforts to deny florists this choice.
FTD Continues The Fight For Choice:
FTD has filed a counterclaim against Teleflora in Federal Court, asserting that Teleflora's refusal to allow florists to switch freely back and forth between FTD and Teleflora when they send floral orders is an unfair business practice and anticompetitive. The Judge's August 18 order does not address FTD's counterclaims. FTD intends to pursue those counterclaims vigorously. FTD remains committed to seeing that florists are offered a choice when deciding how to run their businesses and will combat all companies, including Teleflora, that try to restrict choice.
Any questions about the Court's orders in this case can be directed to Jon Burney at FTD at 630-724-6729.
About FTD
FTD, Inc., supported by its worldwide FTD brand, is a leading provider of floral services and products. FTD's Florist Business primarily markets floral products and services to approximately 20,000 FTD members and other retail locations offering floral products in the U.S. and Canada and connects approximately 29,000 additional florists through affiliated or related organizations in 150 countries outside of North America. FTD's Consumer Business is a direct marketer of flowers and specialty gifts, primarily through the www.FTD.COM Web site and 1-800-SEND-FTD telephone number. Additional information about FTD is available at its Web site, www.FTDI.com.
Legal Contact
Jon Burney
FTD Inc.
3113 Woodcreek Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Tel: 630 724 6729
Email: [email protected] Press Contact
Bridget Carlson
FTD Inc.
3113 Woodcreek Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Tel: 630 724 6120
Fax: 630 724 6621
Email: [email protected]
