X-envelope-info: <legal@idgbooks.com> To: "'fenwick@xxxxx.xxx'" <fenwick@xxxxx.xxx> Subject: Cthulu for Dummies Date: Mon, 18 May 1998 13:47:45 -0500 Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to you about a matter of great importance to our company, namely, the protection of our intellectual property. We would appreciate it if you would review this letter and respond by June 1, 1998. As you may know, IDG Books Worldwide ("IDGB") publishes and distributes globally a line of reference books known as the "...For Dummies(R)" series. The "...For Dummies(R)" series has been in existence since November 1991 and has enjoyed unprecedented success. In fact, there are over 50 million "...For Dummies(R)" books in print and the books have been translated into 38 languages. The "...For Dummies(R)" series includes, among many other titles, Windows(R) For Dummies(R), The Internet For Dummies(R), Politics For Dummies(R), Personal Finance For Dummies(R), and Fitness For Dummies(R). IDGB also licenses and distributes numerous line extensions and ancillary products based on the "...For Dummies(R)" series, including musical CDs, clothing, toys, and calendars. The "...For Dummies(R)" series is immediately recognizable by, among other things, the trademark "...For Dummies(R)." The "...For Dummies(R)" trademark appears not only on the books themselves but also on trade and consumer advertising, in catalogs, on point of sale displays, on giveaway items, on IDGB's Web site, and on other promotional material distributed around the world. IDGB has made a considerable investment in promoting the identification of its "...For Dummies(R)" trademark to its distributors and customers. As a result, and as evidenced by the many articles written and comments received from distributors, customers, and the press, it is clear that IDGB's "...For Dummies(R)" trademark is widely identified with IDGB. In short, this trademark is an extremely valuable asset of IDGB. It has come to our attention that you have published an article on the www.sonic.net Web site (specifically, http://www.sonic.net/fenwick/chaos/cthudum.html) entitled "Cthulu for Dummies." Unfortunately, this title uses and infringes IDGB's federally registered "...For Dummies(R)" trademark. In addition, it is highly likely that visitors could be misled into believing that this article was authorized by or is associated with IDGB. We hope that this matter can be resolved quickly and amicably. Accordingly, we request that you remove the infringing material from the Web page and anywhere else it appears and provide IDGB with your written assurances that you will refrain from infringing its trademarks. Please be advised that if this matter cannot be immediately resolved, IDGB is fully prepared to enforce its rights. We look forward to hearing from you on or before June 1, 1998. Sincerely, Terri Morgan Manager, Legal Services IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. 919 East Hillsdale Boulevard, Suite 400 Foster City, CA 94404 650/655-3040 - V 650/655-3299 - F legal@idgbooks.com