July 25, 2010 -
PRLog -- Modesto, CA. Web retailer Discount Leather Mart, www.discount-
leather.net, received an email on July 15, 2010, followed by a letter delivered by UPS from Martin J. Feinberg of Olshan Grundman Frome, et. al. LLP*, attorneys representing 3M Corporation.**
The letter threatens legal action against Discount Leather Mart unless a settlement is signed and a check or money order for consideration is made out to the law firm in the amount of $9,435.95. The legal action is based on products sold that were labeled with the 3M trademarked Thinsulate brand. Allegedly, products procured by Discount Leather Mart from EBL Enterprises of New Jersey for resale to web based customers did not contain Thinsulate as labeled. Products were purchased by Discount Leather Mart between January 15, 2004 and December 31, 2007.
A trademark violation case held in the District Court of New Jersey, Case # 2:09-cv-01245-
FSH-PS, by 3M company against EBL Enterprises and other companies came to a settlement on December 30, 2009 and was signed off by the Honorable Judge Faith S Hochberg. The settlement involved no monetary rewards or legal fees to 3M.
"My company, Discount Leather Mart, has never knowingly sold products that violate any trademark laws. The letter, threat of lawsuit, and asking for money not to sue, in my opinion, constitutes a Shake Down of a small business," stated Kent Johnson, owner of www.discount-
leather.net. "I wonder how many other tiny web based businesses the threat went out to?" Johnson added. "You do not have to wonder why people hold lawyers in such low esteem."
Discount Leather Mart, www.discount-
leather.net, is a retail web site and brick and mortar store that sells quality motorcycle apparel and accessories. Based in Modesto, California and in business since October 2002, current revenues are less than $200,000 annually.
* Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP, 65 East 55th Street, New York, NY, 10022
** 3M Corporation, 3M Center, St. Paul MN, 55144
# # #
Retail web site, www.discount-
leather.net, selling quality Motorcycle Apparel and Accessories such as leather jackets, chaps, pants, vests, motorcycle helmets all at discount price. Discount Leather Mart also has Brick and Mortar Store.
