See the second site in my signature. This is my client's site. We were hired to develop the website only. I will explain a bit about what my client did: - FLX is a old serie of FUJITSU optical transport equipment. Those equipment were developed by FUJITSU in earlier 19xx years. Now they are almost out of date, but now they are still offered by FUJITSU in developing countries (Vietnam, China, India, Malaysia etc). - FLEXR for FLX is FUJITSU original management software for such equipment. FUJITSU has stop development of this for long time. Latest version runs under Windows 98, even some under Windows 3.1. - My client re-designed these softwares to run under latest Windows XP, and added some enhancements to make them better. He named LCT for FLX (Local Craft Terminal for FLX). Now, FUJITSU knows about this. Actually they did nothing, only un-officially request to take off their trademarks from website, such as FUJITSU, FLEXR, FLX and equipment names etc. My client doesn't intend to break some coryright laws, but without "FUJITSU", "FLX150/600" and "FLX600A" this website and his softwares mean nothing. What do you think? What do you recommend my client? If my client doesn't satisfy their request, what action we can expect from FUJITSU? Thanks for your input.
from what i see, you've got all the proper notices in place - i don't think you're infringing anything. maybe write to them and explain your client's situation to them - WITHOUT saying that you'll be taking their names down... it's like someone creating a website with news about microsoft windows and microsoft comes along and tells you to take their name off your site... if that's the case, many, many, many sites will be affected... but best to contact a real lawyer...
What do you mean by they un-officially requested? I took just a quick look at the main page of the site. I would suggest that you might want to add a more prominent disclaimer that this site is not affliated with FUJITSU in any any way. I would also make the statement that XYZ are reqistered trademarks of FUJITSU more distinct. I don't think they are out to get you but companies must protect their trademarks or lose them. If your friend makes it very clear that this site is not affliated with and those trademarks are owned by FUJITSU I think this problem will go away. I am not a lawyer and your refund can not exceed the amount you paid for this advice.
I think Colbyt's suggestions are a good course of action. Also this isn't an issue of copyright law, it is an issue of trademark law. If your client has any doubts or questions they should contact their lawyers.