And just when we thought things were going fine and dandy, there it was, an email from the mega-giant company, Gerber. The email informed us that we were in danger of Gerber pursuing 'vigorous' legal action against our small, mommy-owned business because we phrased our top-selling products as 'Monthly Onesies.' Unbeknownst to me, the term 'onesie' received it's trademark from Gerber over 20 years ago and they intend to fight companies tooth and nail to defend their legal rights. I have always used the term and simply assumed that it was the generic word for a cotton, one-piece with snaps at the crotch. Wrong! It's their word and they don't want me using it. At all. The email also stated that we cannot even use a term that would be 'confusing' to the public. I mean, really?? I am 1% flattered that Gerber took the time to send me an email, but 99% aggravated at the way the email was written. A line from the letter: "Accordingly, on behalf of Gerber, we demand that you immediately cease and
desist from any further use, display, or publication of the ONESIES® mark in any
form." Furthermore, Gerber has requested that they will "...vigorously protect its proprietary rights by seeking legal enforcement of its
trademark rights and pursuing any and all legal remedies for damages arising
from trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition." All of this is just a tad bit intimidating for a small mommy-owned biz like ours. Boo!
Thanks to our incredible webmaster and her sharp SEO skills, our site often appears on the first page or two of Google. She rocks!!! Perhaps this is how they found us?? Who knows? However, we are ready to roll with the punches, make the needed changes and move on...
Here's to hoping that our MONTHLIES and infant bodysuits will soon create huge competition for Gerber!