posted on August 15, 2005 11:52:12 PM new
A remarkable little drama is playing out over the use (or misuse) of the FedEx Trademark by a very creative young man.
Just what did he do? Well, in the finest tradition of struggling young souls, he improvised....by using FedEx boxes to furnish his apartment, assembling them into a bed, desk & chairs...even going so far as to dye his hair FedEx Orange.
http://fedexfurniture.com/index.html
FedEx is suing. The young man now has a Stanford Law professor in his corner trading legal inanities with her FedEx counterpart.
This could have been a PR bonanza for FedEx...a wonderful ad campaign...Geico-esque. Where in the hell is Fred Smith?
Best,
Michael
---------------------------
Internet Talk Radio
Everything eBay...and More. E-Auction-Air
posted on August 16, 2005 03:01:34 AM new
young man is a thief, basically, in my opinion. maybe raised by parents who use priority mail tape, boxes and envelopes for purposes other than what they were intended for?
posted on August 16, 2005 06:11:58 AM new
Too funny! I would hate to see what would happen if he had used priority boxes! The secret service would be at his door in a heartbeat - threatening to bind him up in the no longer available priority tape.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
posted on August 16, 2005 06:38:34 AM new
lol Caroline ...
I think the mileage Fedex would get out of this guy becoming their mascot, would outweigh the 'theft' by X number of people that would actually order their supplies to make furniture ....
It's neat! ... (nice orange hair, too).
[ edited by estatesalestuff on Aug 16, 2005 06:39 AM ]
posted on August 16, 2005 10:21:16 AM new
I see this as simply a great marketing opportunity.
Yes, I suppose he is in violation of copyright but the larger issue is the opportunity for FedEx to have a wonderful campaign that is priceless.
Copyright law is selectively enforced and challenges to FedEx copyright, real challenges, are what their lawyers should be attending to...This is a classic case of the legal side of a behemoth not "getting it". Really, its the marketing side of FedEx who is really to blame. The marketers should intervene and tell the lawyers,"We'll take it from here".
Think about FedEx marketing vis-a-vis their competitors:UPS,DHL,etc.. They all compete with essentially the same message.
Think about how Geico & AFLAC have taken a totally hum-drum product and made them household words...
Best,
Michael
---------------------------
Internet Talk Radio
Everything eBay...and More. E-Auction-Air
[ edited by pandorasbox on Aug 16, 2005 10:22 AM ]
posted on August 16, 2005 03:44:31 PM new
I can see the reverse side of this story. If FedEx doesn't go after this guy, they will have an onslaught of thieves decorating everythin & anything. The kid is a thief & as such deserves to be punished.
posted on August 18, 2005 05:06:03 AM new
Couldn't afford any furniture? I smell a publicity stunt. You can go through just about any developed neighborhood on trash day and get more practical furnishings off the street for free. But, now he's had his 15 minutes of (cardboard) fame.
Caroline 