Can a company legally ask me to remove one of their products from my website

[tubatree]

I used to be a distributor for a company and one of their products is on my website which I've marked out of stock and stated clearly I no longer am their distributor and this item is no longer sold. The page generates a lot of traffic and it's very beneficial for SEO to redirect to other brands of products. I am not using any of their images or descriptions. I have taken my own photos and have my own images.

I am obviously using the name of their product in the title. Am I legally obliged to remove the page? Could I get into legal trouble if I don't?

 

[fisicx]

If you are no longer a distributor you no longer have permission to display the product for sale (even if out of stock).

You could chance your luck but the likelihood is the next letter will be a cease and desist from their solicitors.

However....

If you had a page describing or comparing the product (but not using their images or logos) and suggesting an alternative that you do have for sale then you may be OK.

 

[tubatree]

If you are no longer a distributor you no longer have permission to display the product for sale (even if out of stock).

You could chance your luck but the likelihood is the next letter will be a cease and desist from their solicitors.

However....

If you had a page describing or comparing the product (but not using their images or logos) and suggesting an alternative that you do have for sale then you may be OK.

Many thanks!

 

[DontAsk]

If you are no longer a distributor you no longer have permission to display the product for sale (even if out of stock).

Says who?

Just make sure you acknowledge any trade marks.

 

[fisicx]

Says who?

Just make sure you acknowledge any trade marks.

It’s because the page suggests he is selling the product when he isn’t authorised.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Can they legally ask you? Definitely

Can they enforce it? Possibly - it's seldom 100% clear cut (that's how lawyers make their money)

Key questions are:

Do you have a retained legal team?
Do you have case precedent to fall back on?
Do you have a decent budget to defend yourself?
Do you have time to commit?

Your (non) supplier will have some or all of the above

If possible, talk to them and seek a compromise. Otherwise, look for ways to switch the SEO advantage whilst complying

 

[DontAsk]

It’s because the page suggests he is selling the product when he isn’t authorised.

No they say that the website clearly says he is no longer selling the product.

 

[fisicx]

No they say that the website clearly says he is no longer selling the product.

Then its really up to @tubatree what they do. Fight it out with the supplier or remove the product page. As @Mark T Jones says, it could get messy and expensive.