Tab Store Copyright Letters

Unfortunately, the company that hosted my Tab Store saw a potential copyright violation. Purely for informational purposes, I have posted their email notice along with my response. I have removed any specific references to the company or its employees. Other than that, the messages appear below exactly as sent (including typos).

Their Notice (July 10, 2001):

Dear [____] Storeowner, It has recently come to our attention that you are promoting and selling merchandise through the [____] service bearing the "Tab" logo.  Please be advised that as indicated in our members agreement that all storeowner must have the copyrights for the images that are being uploaded into our servers.  As a result we request that you provide us with evidence that you hold the rights to use the "Tab" logo for the sale of merchandise through your website. We need to receive notification back from you no later then 24 hours for the time of this email in order to avoid removing your store from our servers.  If you have any additional questions please let me me know.   Best regards, [Employee]

My Response (July 10, 2001):

Dear [Employee]:  As you undoubtedly know already, I am unable to provide you with documentation of these copyrights.  Given the fact that I am providing free promotion to Coca-Cola's product, Tab, and in no way trying to steal revenues from their products, I feel that this would likely be considered "fair use". However, I am a college student, and I do not have the time, resources, or desire to devote to any confrontation on the issue.  Therefore, I will cease promotion of items in my [____] store bearing the Tab name or logo. Due to [____]'s server upgrades, it is not currently possible to remove or change items in my store. However, as soon as possible, I will do this. If possible, I would like to keep my store open for future use. I assure you that any use of the store will be free of any potential copyright risks. If the store must be closed, so be it.  I respect the position of [____], and I do not blame the company. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.  Sincerely,  Thomas Wagner P.S. In order to inform the visitors of my web site of the change in status, I am planning to post a copy of your email and my response on my site.

Their Response (July 10, 2001):

Thomas, Due to compliance issue related to copyrighted images the store will have to closed down.  You are however free to create a new store with our latest version of software and promote other merchandise that is "original" in content.  I visited you website and didn't know that a community existed around the Tab soft drink.  I too remember the drink from years ago and thought it was not being produced anymore until I came across you site.  You can post my email message if you want in order to notify your community but I ask you to remove the signature line with our company contact information.  Best, [Employee]

Resolution: The store was removed from the company's servers on July 10, 2001.