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MichelleG · Sep 3rd, 2009, 02:17 PM

This has to be the craziest story I've heard in a long time - since when did M.A.D.D. become a brand like Cadillac or Pepsi???? What on earth do the sell????? And, isn't it a non-profit organization????

I suppose I'm sensitive because I own a business, but this seems excessive. I feel horrible for them!

http://www.fox4now.com/Global/story.asp?S=11036326

A salon in Cape Coral might have to pay a load of cash to change its name. The national charity Mothers Against Drunk Driving is asking The Madd Hatter Men's Salon to drop one of the "d's" in madd, or pay to change it. The salon owner says the name has nothing to do with the charity, and hopes she doesn't have to make the costly changes.
Because for Nichole Gallagher, it's all in the name, that she says was the hardest part about opening her new shop.
"I'm a little crazy, and quirky, and fun, so that's where I got the "madd" from." The idea for the double "d" in came from her British husband's heritage.
"It's the English version of mad, they spell it with a second "d"." And she says the spelling is all the rage over in England for businesses. But now she's afraid she'll have to fight to keep it, or pay to change it.
"I had no intentions of hurting anyone, especially with a silly name like that," she says. Corporate attorneys with M.A.D.D. sent her a letter, demanding she either drop the second "d", or buy the rights. The charity said in the letter that the salon's name could mislead consumers in thinking there's an association between the two.
"All the money that I have put into to all this stuff, it would cost me a lot of money, and it would be discouraging."
Four In Your Corner spoke with a local attorney who's familiar with the issue, and he believes if M.A.D.D. did want to pursue the issue further, the company would have a tough time, because there's no face value connection between the Madd Hatter Salon, and Mother's Against Drunk Driving.
"Had I even thought of it, I might have been okay, wait a minute," said Gallagher, "But never in a million years did I think about it."
The Florida Director for M.A.D.D, Don Murray, issued this statement to Four In Your Corner:
"Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has a very well known and greatly respected brand that we vigorously defend. Our legal department routinely sends out numbers of similar letters all over the world. "
"Had the salon referenced in our conversation elected to call their business "Cadillac" Salon or "Pepsi" Salon, they would have encountered the same infringement issues with those brands as well. Their election to use the MADD brand as part of their name was, no doubt, a choice not intending to do harm.
"Nevertheless, we all must follow the same laws. MADD will continue to vigorously defend our brand in all cases. "
Regardless of what happens, Gallagher just can't believe it did. "I'm just this little shop in Cape Coral," she says. A little shop that in a tough economy, might have to get a high price trim.

CHRISTINA BAILEY, REPORTER
cbailey@fox4now.com

natalie78 · Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:13 PM

That is rediculous. There is no way that the salon can be mistakenly associated with MADD. And refering to MADD as a brand? I thought they were a non-profit organization out to help the streets become a safer place. I hope they get spanked in court.

MichelleG · Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by natalie78

That is rediculous. There is no way that the salon can be mistakenly associated with MADD. And refering to MADD as a brand? I thought they were a non-profit organization out to help the streets become a safer place. I hope they get spanked in court.

ITA!!!! Life is hard, and starting a business is even more difficult especially right now. What reason could MADD have for being so petty?

The salon will have a horrible expense ahead of them. Either they get an attorney, or cave in and change everything. And, beware if you use the word MADD - you'll be getting a letter soon

exotikittenx · Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:44 PM

Wow, shame on M.A.D.D.! That is absolutely ridiculous and if they pursue this, I will definitely lose respect for them. Their focus should be making a difference, not branding themselves and hurting some poor small business! The two have nothing to do with each other! What a waste of time and energy.

bipolarbear · Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:49 PM

I'm saddened to hear MADD is using their time and energy in this direction as well. They should keep their focus on making a difference for good.

~Fabulousity~ · Sep 3rd, 2009, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by natalie78

That is rediculous. There is no way that the salon can be mistakenly associated with MADD. And refering to MADD as a brand? I thought they were a non-profit organization out to help the streets become a safer place. I hope they get spanked in court.

agreed, and what on earth would posses them to think someone would associate a salon with Mothers Againts Drunk Driving

bagaholic85 · Sep 3rd, 2009, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by bipolarbear

I'm saddened to hear MADD is using their time and energy in this direction as well. They should keep their focus on making a difference for good.

thank you! ita

nseastar · Sep 3rd, 2009, 05:02 PM

Non profits are companies just as for profit ones are and to be successful they do have to have "branding". Branding is important to bring in the money which is what makes a successful company no matter if they are not for profit or for profit. A non profit without $$ isn't doing much good.

Having said that, this is completely ridiculous. Nobody would ever confuse a salon with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It sounds like they have over zealous attorneys which in the end could harm their brand more than a salon with 'Madd' in it's name ever would.

MichelleG · Sep 3rd, 2009, 05:37 PM

So, I sent an email to Mr. Murray...I know, I've lost my mind but this bugs me!!!

His response was basically "your opinion is duly noted and it doesn't matter because this is a matter of law. Maybe you should forward your letter to congress to see if they'll change the law"

Are you kidding me? His organization goes on a witch hunt and he has the audacity to say send your complaint to congress...wow, what a guy!

nseastar · Sep 3rd, 2009, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by MichelleG

So, I sent an email to Mr. Murray...I know, I've lost my mind but this bugs me!!!

His response was basically "your opinion is duly noted and it doesn't matter because this is a matter of law. Maybe you should forward your letter to congress to see if they'll change the law"

Are you kidding me? His organization goes on a witch hunt and he has the audacity to say send your complaint to congress...wow, what a guy!

He sure doesn't seem to have a knack for public relations.

natalie78 · Sep 3rd, 2009, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by MichelleG

So, I sent an email to Mr. Murray...I know, I've lost my mind but this bugs me!!!

His response was basically "your opinion is duly noted and it doesn't matter because this is a matter of law. Maybe you should forward your letter to congress to see if they'll change the law"

Are you kidding me? His organization goes on a witch hunt and he has the audacity to say send your complaint to congress...wow, what a guy!

What a jerk. I cannot believe that anyone follows him with an attitude like that.

MichelleG · Sep 3rd, 2009, 06:51 PM

So, I stewed for a while and emailed him back. Ummm...I wasn't nice. I said his response was duly noted and would be communicated - ad infinitum!

GUESS WHAT? I got a human response - not terse legalese spouting either. He was very nice and said he didn't need to create any more enemies, and most importantly - he was going to get everyone on the phone to see if they could work things out....How amazing is that?

Is it possible that I actually helped? Nah...that would mean something went right in the world for once...LOL

natalie78 · Sep 3rd, 2009, 08:46 PM

He said that? Wow...you did good!!!

nseastar · Sep 3rd, 2009, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by MichelleG

So, I stewed for a while and emailed him back. Ummm...I wasn't nice. I said his response was duly noted and would be communicated - ad infinitum!

GUESS WHAT? I got a human response - not terse legalese spouting either. He was very nice and said he didn't need to create any more enemies, and most importantly - he was going to get everyone on the phone to see if they could work things out....How amazing is that?

Is it possible that I actually helped? Nah...that would mean something went right in the world for once...LOL

That is really awesome!

meela188 · Sep 4th, 2009, 12:05 AM

WOW, that was some action you took OP, score.

Sep 3rd, 2009, 02:17 PM	#1
MichelleG OP Member Joined: Jan 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 376	M.A.D.D. has went mad! This has to be the craziest story I've heard in a long time - since when did M.A.D.D. become a brand like Cadillac or Pepsi???? What on earth do the sell????? And, isn't it a non-profit organization???? I suppose I'm sensitive because I own a business, but this seems excessive. I feel horrible for them! http://www.fox4now.com/Global/story.asp?S=11036326 A salon in Cape Coral might have to pay a load of cash to change its name. The national charity Mothers Against Drunk Driving is asking The Madd Hatter Men's Salon to drop one of the "d's" in madd, or pay to change it. The salon owner says the name has nothing to do with the charity, and hopes she doesn't have to make the costly changes. Because for Nichole Gallagher, it's all in the name, that she says was the hardest part about opening her new shop. "I'm a little crazy, and quirky, and fun, so that's where I got the "madd" from." The idea for the double "d" in came from her British husband's heritage. "It's the English version of mad, they spell it with a second "d"." And she says the spelling is all the rage over in England for businesses. But now she's afraid she'll have to fight to keep it, or pay to change it. "I had no intentions of hurting anyone, especially with a silly name like that," she says. Corporate attorneys with M.A.D.D. sent her a letter, demanding she either drop the second "d", or buy the rights. The charity said in the letter that the salon's name could mislead consumers in thinking there's an association between the two. "All the money that I have put into to all this stuff, it would cost me a lot of money, and it would be discouraging." Four In Your Corner spoke with a local attorney who's familiar with the issue, and he believes if M.A.D.D. did want to pursue the issue further, the company would have a tough time, because there's no face value connection between the Madd Hatter Salon, and Mother's Against Drunk Driving. "Had I even thought of it, I might have been okay, wait a minute," said Gallagher, "But never in a million years did I think about it." The Florida Director for M.A.D.D, Don Murray, issued this statement to Four In Your Corner: "Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has a very well known and greatly respected brand that we vigorously defend. Our legal department routinely sends out numbers of similar letters all over the world. " "Had the salon referenced in our conversation elected to call their business "Cadillac" Salon or "Pepsi" Salon, they would have encountered the same infringement issues with those brands as well. Their election to use the MADD brand as part of their name was, no doubt, a choice not intending to do harm. "Nevertheless, we all must follow the same laws. MADD will continue to vigorously defend our brand in all cases. " Regardless of what happens, Gallagher just can't believe it did. "I'm just this little shop in Cape Coral," she says. A little shop that in a tough economy, might have to get a high price trim. CHRISTINA BAILEY, REPORTER cbailey@fox4now.com
	Last edited by MichelleG; Sep 3rd, 2009 at 02:19 PM. Reason: link

Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:44 PM	#4
exotikittenx Ooh la la! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: The City of Plain 'n Proper Posts: 6,102	Wow, shame on M.A.D.D.! That is absolutely ridiculous and if they pursue this, I will definitely lose respect for them. Their focus should be making a difference, not branding themselves and hurting some poor small business! The two have nothing to do with each other! What a waste of time and energy.
	__________________ Check out my new and UPDATED collection!!!

Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:49 PM	#5
bipolarbear Member Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 640	I'm saddened to hear MADD is using their time and energy in this direction as well. They should keep their focus on making a difference for good.
bipolarbear Member Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 640

Sep 3rd, 2009, 05:02 PM	#8
nseastar Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,103	Non profits are companies just as for profit ones are and to be successful they do have to have "branding". Branding is important to bring in the money which is what makes a successful company no matter if they are not for profit or for profit. A non profit without $$ isn't doing much good. Having said that, this is completely ridiculous. Nobody would ever confuse a salon with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It sounds like they have over zealous attorneys which in the end could harm their brand more than a salon with 'Madd' in it's name ever would.
	__________________ Nikki

Sep 4th, 2009, 12:05 AM	#15
meela188 Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,708	WOW, that was some action you took OP, score.
meela188 Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,708

Sep 3rd, 2009, 03:13 PM	#2
natalie78 Dave's not here Joined: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,669	That is rediculous. There is no way that the salon can be mistakenly associated with MADD. And refering to MADD as a brand? I thought they were a non-profit organization out to help the streets become a safer place. I hope they get spanked in court.

Sep 3rd, 2009, 05:37 PM	#9
MichelleG OP Member Joined: Jan 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 376	So, I sent an email to Mr. Murray...I know, I've lost my mind but this bugs me!!! His response was basically "your opinion is duly noted and it doesn't matter because this is a matter of law. Maybe you should forward your letter to congress to see if they'll change the law" Are you kidding me? His organization goes on a witch hunt and he has the audacity to say send your complaint to congress...wow, what a guy!

Sep 3rd, 2009, 06:51 PM	#12
MichelleG OP Member Joined: Jan 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 376	So, I stewed for a while and emailed him back. Ummm...I wasn't nice. I said his response was duly noted and would be communicated - ad infinitum! GUESS WHAT? I got a human response - not terse legalese spouting either. He was very nice and said he didn't need to create any more enemies, and most importantly - he was going to get everyone on the phone to see if they could work things out....How amazing is that? Is it possible that I actually helped? Nah...that would mean something went right in the world for once...LOL

Sep 3rd, 2009, 08:46 PM	#13
natalie78 Dave's not here Joined: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,669	He said that? Wow...you did good!!!

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