Got an email from Charlie.....Here is what he said..

Dear Concerned,

Many people have responded to us concerning the recent issue of “Pet Friendly” automobile license plates issued by the states of Illinois and Missouri. The negative nature of this response has been due largely to some decidedly one-sided newspaper articles which have appeared recently.

We understand (and applaud) your passion when it comes to issues concerning pets and animals, because we share that passion and devotion to pets. But before you fire off a salvo of “poison pen” emails to us, we suggest you listen to our side of the story.

First, Pet Friendly, Inc. has been and will continue to be a leader in the causes of pet adoptions and humane treatment of pets. We have been selling a “Pet Friendly” car tag since 1995 (long before Illinois or any other state thought of the idea) to generate funds for pet causes. Under this program, 80% of the monies goes to the pets and the other 20% goes to the cost of making the license
plates. We make nothing. Pet Friendly, Inc. is also the founder of both the “Pet Adoptions” and “No Kill Shelters” programs, which are now nationwide. Through the years, the focus of our company, our people and our products has been toward the betterment of conditions for our pets. Anyone who claims that we are “just in it for the money” is simply misinformed.

So, why do we object to those states (or any other entity) using our name without our permission? Contrary to what the media reports would leave one to believe, it's not the cause behind the license plates that we object to; in fact, we support it. We simply object to the unauthorized use of our trademarked company name. To allow this use could set legal precedents in which others might also use our name, ultimately rendering it worthless. As you know, a name is one of the most valuable assets any company owns.

Furthermore, only a small portion of the monies collected for these state license plates actually goes to the benefit of pets. The rest—being collected using our name—simply goes to the states to be used however they choose. Certainly, there are many other ways in which you can spend money to help pets which will more directly benefit them. Of course, if you really want a car tag that says “Pet Friendly,” you may purchase one from us. We'll not only send you a tag, but a receipt showing where the money went and what animal it helped—we guarantee it!

At Pet Friendly, Inc., we appreciate your concern and your passion to help pets.


This was my response...

Mr. Weinacker,

I read your response and remain perplexed. The State of Illinois has a variety of plates which allow its drivers the option to have a special plate that speaks to something near and dear to their hearts. The extra money which we pay for the special plate goes to the cause itself.

On the Illinois license plate are the initials PF and the phrase, *I AM PET FRIENDLY* That is a sentence with words from the English language. It identifies the owner of those plates as being pet friendly, that is friendly to pets. Are you saying that anyone who sells anything with the words pet friendly within is in violation of your trademark? In Illinois we have license plates both on the front and rear of our cars. Whatever plates you sell, would not be Illinois plates, legal for our cars.

As I indicated in my previous email, I believe your action in this matter is counter productive to the goals of your company. The people who have become aware of this situation do not feel friendly to the company Pet Friendly. I, for one, was not in anyway enlightened to feel otherwise based on your explanation. I fear that as more and more pet lovers hear of your stance on this matter, more and more of them will become adverse to purchasing anything from your company. Surely that is not something which is desirable. Please reconsider your stance. Do not use your trademark to deny people the ability to use this phrase. Do not deny animal welfare organizations who would receive this extra money the right to have the much needed funds raised by the printing of these special plates. Do not deny the drivers of the State of Illinois the right to have these special plates that identify their passionate love of their pets. It takes a big person to admit that they may have been overreacting. Let pet lovers once again see the phrase *pet friendly* in a positive light and seek out your company as a way to thank you for backing off this stance that so many see as extremely negative.