From: "" <wynnlindybell@msn.com>
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com
Subject: Re: Balloon bouquet - to use or not to use
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 15:13:30 -0700

We went that route many years ago and were informed by Balloon Bouquet Inc. 
that we could NOT use the term "balloon bouquet" in any of our 
advertisements or literature or we would be sued for damages.   Balloon 
Bouquet Inc. sent us copies of lawsuits they had won in numerous states 
protecting their copyright of the term "balloon bouquet".  Although it 
annoyed the heck out of us, the one thing that did impress me, however, was 
that although they told us we could not use those two words in that order, 
they gave us several alternatives which we have successfully used for 
years..  "balloon arrangements" and "bouquet of balloons" have been two of 
our favorites.

Although it is my personal belief that the industry as a whole benefits from 
the sharing nature of most of the wonderful people involved (whether it be 
designs or terminology), it is sometimes hard to understand why people might 
feel a need to protect something as simple as "words", especially when these 
words are commonly used and recognized throughout the world.  However, we 
always need to keep in mind that if someone started using our business name 
in their advertising, and we had gone to the lengths necessary under the 
laws of our country to preserve our right to the exclusive use of that 
terminology and to protect that business name, we might be just as 
protective as they are.

I'm sure that most of us will agree that when it comes to designs, pictures, 
etc., that these are "tangible" items that should be protected.  However, 
before jumping on the bandwagon, think how you would feel if someone in your 
town used your business name (i.e., "Betty's Balloons are the Final Touch in 
Balloons and Event Decor")in their advertising. (Our name is Final Touch 
Balloons and Event Decor!)


What a sad day it would have been if Treb Heining had copyrighted the word 
"balloon arch", or if the words "String-of-Pearls", "Fantasy Cloud", 
"Exploding Wall" or hundreds of other phrases we use in our day-to-day sales 
had been copyrighted by the people who coined them and we thank our lucky 
stars to be part of an industry where sharing is the norm rather than the 
exception.

Lindy
Wynn & Lindy Bell, CBA's
Final Touch Balloons & Event Decor
Portland, Oregon
See us on the web at:  www.finaltouchballoons.com



Original Message Follows----
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com
Subject: Balloon bouquet - to use or not to use use
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 17:22:28 -0400

Hi all, I'm confused about something......be nice  lol
Can I use the phrase Balloon bouquet to describe a bunch of balloons
arrainged together or do I have to have permission from Balloon Bouquet
Inc.  I asked them and they said I would have to be an affiliate, but I
cannot afford to be an affiliate and I really don't want to be.  Am I being
a little to paranoid to just use the word to describe or I cannot do this.
I don't want to get sued by anyone.

Thanks
Deliza Nieves
Not Just Balloons(NY)