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From: xxxx
Subject: NIKE Website
Date: 19 Dec 2005 14:23:39.0343

NIke members,
Computer security has just made me aware of your site 
http://nike.psu.edu/. I need to let you know that your site violates 
several rules and trademark laws, and you need to take the site down 
immediately. Of course, after corrections are made you can put the 
site up again.

First "NIKE" is a federally registered trademark and you are using it 
without permission. You need to remove all reference to Nike.
Second, you are selling merchandise on the Penn State site without 
authorization. The Store section must be removed as well as any links 
to the Nike Corporation.

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From: xxx
Subject: Re: NIKE Website
Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 11:24:06 -0500

You are likely aware that Nike and Penn State have a contractual 
agreement for athletic uniforms and other licensed products. Because 
of this association Nike can prevent a use that draws unwarranted 
connection with the company in relation to other items. The 
University attorneys tell me this is known as reverse infringement 
because the infringer is not trying to pass off its goods or 
organization as coming from Nike, instead it is confusing itself with 
the "Nike phenomena" by suggesting some relationship with Nike.

Given the relationship of Nike with Penn State, and Nike's strong 
presence in the educational sector, and given the significant 
manipulation of the name that was required to obtain the NIKE acronym 
for your group, (Using the "e" from "web" in the name) it seems 
possible that Nike would object to the use and could claim trademark 
infringement.

It is in the best interest of the University to protect the 
relationship with Nike as they provide many resources to the 
University. This has already been brought to the attention of 
Computer Security by someone. It would only be a matter of time until 
someone mentions it to Nike and then we hear about it through Nike's 
attorneys.

I ask that you help the University avoid this embarrassment by 
changing the acronym or the name of the group and removing "Nike" 
from your site.

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