TF Cease and Desist!!

[BOSS]

As you all know, I am not a member of Teleflora, but I was contacted by a florist and FC member about something new...

This florist received a formal Cease and Desist notice from Teleflora to discontinue using the word Teleflora in Pay-per-click advertising. As in Teleflora Florist XXcity/XXstate.

Anyone else gotten one of these?

 

[CHR]

Haven't heard this one but it's their brand & trademark. It does send a clear signal that the only place allowed to promote Teleflora in online ads is at TF.com. (I assume everyone is still free to buy print ads.)

This begs a few questions:
- Is the letter being sent to everyone or just companies whose websites are not hosted by TF?
- Did it arise from consumers being confused that they were dealing direct with TF when they ended up with another OG? (Love the irony there.)
- Does TF now see their OGs as competitors and think this is the fastest way to eliminate competition for the brand name? (Even more irony.)

OTOH, it would be nice not to see a certain OG's 'Teleflora Free Delivery' ads or another non-TF member running 'FTD & Teleflora Florists' in their title.

You know, FTD could do the same if they wanted to.

 

[BOSS]

You know, FTD could do the same if they wanted to.

I don't know about how the TF agreement is worded, but the FTD one says you can use FTD and Florists Transworld in online marketing, just not in email addresses.

But, like ya say, they could change that with the toilet paper in the little boys room.

 

[Luc]

If they did to me. I would'nt waste my time to Cease and desist Teleflora in a heart beat.
Luc

 

[BOSS]

Bump....

Anyone else get one of these letters?

 

[bloomz]

Yes I did, and have spoken to their lawyer about it.

He claims it is going to be across the board and the names of the big boyz I dropped that buy ppc's for teleflora are getting them (C & D letters) too.

I guess they don't want their product dealers to be able to advertise that they sell their product.

hmmmmm.....now why would they do that?

opinions vary

big time

 

[hcflorist]

What's Good For The Goose . . .

Last time I looked, there were a whole bunch of Teleflora florists getting their names used in the TF online directory with links to websites that were advertised as belonging to those florists. But, lo and behold, the orders were actually going straight to TF HQ to do with as they pleased. And, according to what I've heard, that's exactly what they did with them. Sent them out to whomever they pleased as HQ orders, that is.

Has anybody who's been a victim of that scam thought about sending TF a "Cease and Desist" letter?

If not, maybe you should.

 

[CHR]

There's still plenty of action on the TF keyword - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=teleflora . Funniest? JustFlowers' "Why Use Teleflora?" title.

I emailed a couple guys at TF about this when it was first posted. No response to date.

TF could simply assert it's trademark with Google and other publishers but it could negatively effect TFUK, TFAU, etc... so it seems they're in a legal pickle on this one. It will be a huge pain (and costly and difficult) to enforce.

 

[Eric S]

I find this intresting as well as the new web image catalog that just came out.

I have to get permission from TF to use the images on the website. Then i will recieve the requested Images on a CD once they send them to me.

Are they cleaning shop? Wishfull thinking I know but hey there is always a chance!!!