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Diva and Goliath?
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Daniel Cody
User since: December 13, 1998
Last login: September 17, 2007
Articles written: 146
After Microsoft ignored a cease and desist letter sent on April 25, 2000, the Digital Divas (www.digitaldivas.com) have launched a massive internet campaign known as "Diva and Goliath" to stop Microsoft's continued infringement on their trademark. The Digital Divas discovered in April that Microsoft launched a promotion known as the Microsoft Digital Diva (www.digitaldiva.com), employing a woman who appears to offer help to consumers with computer and the internet use. According to Digital Divas founder Dana Whitmire (www.danas.net), "these are exactly the types of services our group has offered to the internet community for almost three years. We feel Microsoft has tried to capitalize on the good will we have worked hard to build."
The Digital Divas were founded by Whitmire in 1997. They provide computer and internet assistance from their website and promote the services of their members, all of whom are experienced and successful computer professionals. The group is composed of 71 members from 17 U.S. states and 7 foreign countries. The purpose of the Diva and Goliath campaign is threefold. According to spokesperson Faith A. Kaminsky, "our small group has limited resources. We are hoping that the campaign will get the internet community behind us, help us raise some money to commence a lawsuit, and hopefully attract a lawyer to assist us." The Digital Divas are the founders of Grey Day (www.greyday.org), an annual copyright awareness event that began on October 1, 1998. Many of the members, including Timmi Sommer feel that Microsoft's actions "are particularly a slap in the face" for that reason.
The cease and desist letter sent to Microsoft was written by the New York law firm Moses & Singer (www.mosessinger.com) on a pro bono basis. According to Kaminsky, "we are extremely grateful for the assistance of David Rabinowitz and Mark Marderosian, but we understand that it is a big task for any lawfirm to accept on a pro bono basis."
Complete information about the Diva and Goliath campaign can be found at www.digitaldivas.com/gol/
