MonsterFishKeeper is being sued by Monster Energy Drink

[scientist0724]

Monster Energy drinks is claiming that Monster Fish Keepers is infringing on their copyrights. It doesn't seem that the legal case is strong against Monster Fish Keepers, but the legal resources available to a large corporation would allow them to essentially bankrupt Monster Fish Keepers in a legal battle.

Details are here:

http://support.monsterfishkeepers.com/?p=15

Apparently this isn't the first time they have tried to strong arm a small business with legal action:

http://www.manufacturing.net/news/2009/ ... le-dispute

Rachel posted this on the CCA Forums:

MFK and all of MAN need your help!

Recently, we received a notice that we are being sued for breach of copyright and were given a cease and desist letter for both the word “Monster” and our logo, the “monster M”, despite the fact that the trademarks have been registered since 2005. Please take a minute to visit the blog that has been started and read to find out what you can do to help.

Li is a long time club member and has always been a huge personal supporter of CCA. He needs us now.

As you know, Li (neoprodigy) is also a massive supporter of the hobby, from donating funds and supplies to conventions to maintaining our series of free networks for fishkeepers of all kinds all over the world. His influence and support of the hobby should be legendary, and he has always maintained his sites at no cost to our members.

The network does not have the money for a lengthy legal battle and the future of the forums could be at risk. I would like to thank any of you that take the time to send emails, phone calls, or letters in our defense.

To reiterate, additional information and explanation can be found on the blog that has been set up at the following address: http://support.monsterfishkeepers.com/

The contact information for reaching the Monster Energy Corporation is listed below:

Monster Energy Corporation Contact Information
Address:
Monster Beverage Corporation
Attention: Consumer Relations
550 Monica Circle Suite 201
Corona, CA 92880

Phone:
1-800-426-7367

Email:
info@monsterbevcorp.com

http://monsterbevcorp.com/contact.php

Monster Energy Company

Address:
550 Monica Circle, Suite 201
Corona, CA 92880

Phone:
866-322-4466 Ext. 585

http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/h...ages%3Acontact

Monster Energy Corporation Brands

Monster Energy
Hansen’s Natural
Peace Tea
Worx Energy
Blue Sky


Please join us in a total boycott of all their products and make your voice heard through letters, emails, or phone calls. We know that our fellow fish heads will come to our support and help us win this battle.

The new has been picked up by TheConsumerist.com:
http://consumerist.com/2012/07/monst...ish-tanks.html

A lot of the fish groups are supporting Li and MonsterFishKeepers. Let's get GWAPA members to help out Li and our hobby!!!

Arlene

[Judi]

This is just crazy! Monster Beverage Corporation thinks they own the word monster, and the letter M? And the colors black and green? What's next, are they going after the Monster High dolls?

Seriously, I can't imagine anyone thinking the logos look the same.

[jcali10]

Wasn't MonsterFishKeepers around before the energy drink company?
If you existed first shouldn't you be allowed to keep your name or logo or whatever !!!

[krisw]

The trademark and intellectual property/patent system is broken in the USA, and it's killing innovation. The same is true with the Apple/Samsung/HTC/Google lawsuits, where Apple thinks they can patent rectangles and lists. At least Google is big enough to defend itself. It sucks when it's a big corporation against a small business.

[krisw]

Wasn't MonsterFishKeepers around before the energy drink company?
If you existed first shouldn't you be allowed to keep your name or logo or whatever !!!

Exactly, but that's not the problem. It sounds like they have a good case, but they don't have the money to prove it over and over again in appeals courts. That's the true tragedy.

[jcali10]

So deep pockets wins again probably.

[FrannyB]

It has been mentioned that what the hub bub is truly about is that Li's site pops up first on Facebook when you search 'Monster'. However, in my opinion if that is the case, that is the fault of their marketing department.

[scientist0724]

You know, I'm surprised that Monster Energy Drink hasn't gone after Advanced Auto Parts MONSTER JAM, since monster is in the name. Oh wait, they sponsor some of the trucks at these events. My bad. What a bunch of hypocrits!

Arlene

[JLW]

Do a google search for Monster Cable.

This is another company using the word "Monster" in its name that has a history of law suits.

Someone quipped the other day, "I really was hoping the two of them would discover each other and simply lose each other in a recursive battle of lawsuits."

[FrannyB]

Please sign the petition. Li needs 5000 sigs. The aquarium hobby has taken enough hits. It has to stop!