Told off by Mars (M&M's) Not a suprise

[Peanut Butter Man]

And so I was a little cheeky and used M&M images on my M&M peanut butter jars.

Mars have been in touch to tell me off politely. I have said sorry (link below) Has anyone else been though this at all. I'm not really worried but its interesting

tps://goo.gl/gmkEUP

 

[MikeJ]

You should be grateful they've not sued the backside off you.

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

Indeed

You should be grateful they've not sued the backside off you.

 

[tonymac84]

Nearest I've had was accidentally using a copyright image on a web page. Agree with Mikej that you were pushing your luck there

 

[marklew]

And you still have the pics and references to M&M product on your site... I'd get them down soonest before they come back stronger

 

[STDFR33]

Your response looks like you are dismissive, and bordering on taking the piss.

 

[AllUpHere]

Agree with accountancy lab, your response is very childish and not at all professional.

 

[ethical PR]

You weren't being a 'little cheeky' you deliberately used someone else's brand to promote sales. And then when you were caught out compounded it by publishing a private letter to yourself on your public facing website and a ludicrous response.

It can only damage your brand in the eyes of your customers.

 

[matlob]

Agree with the above. You not only used their brand and name on your products but are now using the fact that you got busted to also promote your brand and even link to the actual product on your website on the apology page.

I would remove everything from your site asap.They have every right to take this a lot further

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

Thanks all

 

[SamStones]

You also need to remove the images off your blog as that's only making the problem worse!

 

[obscure]

Copyright infringement and Trademark infringement.... and now shown to be wilful infringement (so higher penalties when they sue). Not sure that is the best way to run/promote a business.

 

[andygambles]

I am pleasantly surprised the light touch Mars took. Rather than stomping in with lawyers they have sent you a friendly but firm email.

I see what you have tried to do with your response but that is just going to backfire (it seems it already is). Best thing to do is follow the instructions in the email.

If you want to work with Mars you need to speak to them. Be aware that you might end up paying them rather than the other way round.

 

[GeoMal]

I see you've taken down your dismissive reply, good move. I would read the letter again and comply with exactly what they have asked, including the references to M&M on your social media which were still there this morning. They didn't tell you off, or ask for an apology.

They treated you well, with a light touch letter, when you were clearly infringing their trademark. I'd comply with all terms, and write to tell them you have done as requested, then be thankful they didn't bury your company with legal fees.

I can see that you thought there might be a bit of PR in it for you, which has worked for some other companies, I recall Howies receiving a similar letter from Levi's, and the resulting PR (David v Goliath type thing) was a huge boost to their business. This is not the same here though, as frankly you were taking the mickey with the product.

 

[MikeJ]

M&Ms do a peanut butter flavour in the USA. They're wonderful.

You should get some of those and make peanut butter flavoured with peanut butter M&Ms.

 

[webgeek]

Nothing on the site now so hard to comment eh?

It's so good they tried to shut us down - has a ring to it