Legal Question in Business Law in New York
RIT Trademark Infringement
Hi, my name is Dan Leveille and I'm a freshman at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I started a website called RITBook . com, a textbook trading website. This website does not charge for it's services, and is free of use for all RIT students. Yesterday, I received a letter from RIT's Chief Legal Officer. This letter is available at ritbook . com/trademark/
I'd just like to know if they're making a legit claim, and if so, how I can get around it.
Thank you very much for your time.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: RIT Trademark Infringement
They will obviously want to try to restrict the resale of books because that cuts into their profits. My firm focuses on Internet, media and entertainment law. Let me know if you want assistance in trying to work around this.
Re: RIT Trademark Infringement
Dan it seems there are a number of things you can do. One is try to negotiate with them (I will sell you the idea in exchange for a four year free ride) or Fight with them which can be expensive. It might on the other hand be worth it especially if you can then go to other campus's and set up book exchanges there and charge for advertising etc.
Think about it. If you decide you want help either negotiating or fighting, you can give me a call to see if we help.
Re: RIT Trademark Infringement
I have a slightly different take than my colleagues. I would like to know what class RIT's trademark in "RIT" is listed under. It may not be a conflict at all to use RIT. "Rochester Institute of Technology" is, no doubt, out as a service name but not necessarily RIT. If, as has been mentioned in this thread, you are interested in growing this into a full-fledged business the full name of the institution is less important to you anyway I'd guess. RIT, on the other hand may be valuable and available to you.
You are free to contact me if you'd like to discuss this further.
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