To whom it may concern,

 

Re: the threat of a lawsuit for trademark infringement directed to The
Lactivist.

 

When corporate lawyers get up in arms about something like the "the other
white milk" for fear that it will negatively affect "the other white meat",
I wonder whether they have too much time on their hands and aren't really
thinking clearly.  In fact when they state:  

 

"In addition, your use of this slogan also tarnishes the good reputation of
the National Pork Board's mark in light of your apparent attempt to promote
the use of breastmilk beyond merely for infant consumption, such as with the
following slogans on your website in close proximity to the slogan "The
Other White Milk." "Dairy Diva," "Nursing, Nature's Own Breast Enhancement,"
"Eat at Mom's, fast-fresh-from the breast," and "My Milk is the Breast."",  

 

then I know they have too much time on their hands because they are spending
it coming up with that sort of ridiculous (and possibly libelous?)
accusation.

 

Rather than threatening a lawsuit over something this trivial and
ridiculous, (I mean, really - who is going to compare pork to breastmilk?)
why not take it as a compliment that your slogan is so well known that
someone decided to mimic it, especially in regards to breastfeeding which we
all know is the best and most healthy way to feed an infant?  You promote
pork as being healthy don't you?  If you think about it, when someone reads
'the other white milk' they will most likely also think of your slogan too
and think - "Wow!  That is really cute!"  In actuality, it could be a sales
benefit to your company.  But apparently no one thought about it.  

 

Now, rather than showing yourselves to be a reasonable organization and
laughing at something that had zero intention of trademark infringement and
only the intention of supporting breastfeeding and breastfeeding charities,
the National Pork Board has made itself look trivial and petty.  You have
threatened a work at home mother with a lawsuit if she doesn't bow down to
your demands.  Behavior like this does not become the NPB in my opinion.
And I can see by other sites I have checked out that other Pork supporters
are deeply dismayed and appalled regarding this action.  

 

So, come on NPB - do yourselves a favor and let this go.  This is not good
publicity for your organization.  Piglets breastfeed too, you know...One
would think you would know that and either laugh and support "The other
white milk" or simply leave it alone understanding that there is no way this
could hurt you.  I am sure you have other more important things to worry
about than a woman who is only working to support breastfeeding in her
community.  

 

Hoping your organization does the right thing by dropping this frivolous and
sad act of threatening a lawsuit over something so silly and offers an
apology to the person threatened.  

 

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM


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