Distributed to Executive Committee,
Urantia Brotherhood on June 26, 1988,
"or later" as noted by "MJR," Marian J. Rowley
Urantia FOUNDATION
533 Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614June 23, 1988
Mr. David Elders President Urantia Brotherhood 533 Diversey Parkway Chicago, IL 60614
Dear David:
Re: Urantia Foundation v. Center For Urantia Book Synergy Civ. No. CV-88 02354 MRP (Tx)
This is in response to the letter C.U.B.S. recently sent to the members of the General Council of Urantia Brotherhood regarding the pending lawsuit between Urantia Foundation and C.U.B.S.
You should be aware that the suit was filed by Urantia Foundation only after it became apparent that such a step was necessary to protect the Urantia name and mark. Contrary to the claims made in C.U.B.S' letter, the suit does not involve religious issues or attempt to prevent C.U.B.S. from disseminating The Urantia Book, as long as it does not do so in a manner which is likely to cause confusion or otherwise encroach on the Foundation's trademark rights. Likewise, the implication in C.U.B.S.' letter that the lawsuit seeks to restrain individuals from disseminating The Urantia Book is also unfounded. In fact, Urantia Foundation refrained from naming any individuals as parties to the suit in this instance.
The sole purpose of the suit is to prevent C.U.B.S.' use of the Urantia name and mark in a manner that is likely to cause confusion as to the source or sponsorship of C.U.B.S.' services or products or to dilute the distinctive quality of the Urantia name or mark. Thus, although under the trademark laws Urantia Foundation could have sought money damages from C.U.B.S., the only relief sought in this case is an order prohibiting C.U.B.S. from using the name and mark in a manner that is likely to cause confusion or dilute the distinctiveness of the Urantia name.
The effective protection of the Urantia name and mark obviously is a matter of grave concern to both Urantia Foundation and Urantia Brotherhood.
We do not believe that conversations between members of Urantia Brotherhood and C.U.B.S. would serve in any way to facilitate the resolution of the matter, especially inasmuch as the issues are clearly legal, not political, in nature, and as such are directly within the purview of Urantia Foundation's rights, duties and responsibilities.
We therefore seek you help in this regard and request that the members of the General Council, and of course members of the Executive Committee, of Urantia Brotherhood, refrain from discussions with C.U.B.S. regarding the lawsuit.
Please feel free to call if you have any questions
Cordially,
Urantia Foundation
By:_________________________________- Martin W. Myers as its President
cc: Pattishell, McAuliffe, Newbury Hilliard & Geraldson
Gardner, Carton & Douglas