by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director
The other day I sent an e-mail to Randall Terry through his organization, Operation Rescue. Well, at least I thought Operation Rescue was Mr. Terry's group and he is arguing it still is. However, my attempt to contact Terry lead to a response from one of Terry's former associates who now controls the trademark and domain name for the organization.
There are times when an individual is inexorably linked to an organization. When one thinks of Operation Rescue, the name Randall Terry automatically comes to mind. I called Terry about this issue and he told me soon there would be a battle over just who owns the trademark for Operation Rescue. "We're not looking for money," said Terry. "I just want my name back."
Terry also said he believes the loss of the Operation Rescue trademark is identity theft. "I've attended events where people have asked me if I received their recent donation," added Terry. "I told them 'if you sent a contribution to Wichita, I didn't get it.'"
I also received a response from Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor, who was responding on behalf of Troy Newman, who--for now--is president of the organization and holds the Operation Rescue trademark. Sullenger wrote, "You should be aware that Randall Terry is not associated in any way with Operation Rescue or www.operationrescue.org. It is a violation of our trademark to say that he is..."
But, in any case, I think it is important to know, for the moment, Randall Terry's official website is www.StopObamaNotreDame.com.
Terry also has a website where he goes into great detail concerning the specifics on the fight over the Operation Rescue trademark http://www.operationrescuetheft.com/.
The minutiae involving Terry's efforts to regain control of the Operation Rescue trademark are complicated.
I am not an expert on commercial law. Any attempt on my part to predict the outcome of this trademark battle would be foolish. Yet whether one agrees with Randall Terry or not, as far as the pro-life issue is concerned, many will agree Operation Rescue and Randall Terry are one and the same.
For now, the public needs to be aware that Randall Terry cannot be reached at Operation Rescue. Donations to Randall Terry's efforts will not reach him through Operation Rescue either.
Hopefully, this issue will be resolved amicably and soon.
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