We refer to the banner story titled “Xerox gang in DBM bared” and a front-page story “DBM ‘Xerox gang’ out to get Saro info—Abad” that came out in the Dec. 5 and 6 Inquirer issues, respectively.
The word “Xerox” is a protected trade name of Xerox Corporation and is recognized all over the world. Although the word “xerox” may have been used to denote a “photocopy” or “to photocopy” a paper, a document or a picture, it remains protected under the law. Since March of 2012, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. has been publishing notices in this paper, specifically stating this and warning against the use of “Xerox” as another word for “copy.”
So it is with regret that we find the Inquirer associating this protected trade name with certain unscrupulous individuals engaged in nefarious activities related to illegal disbursements of public funds.
We ask the paper to refrain from using the word “Xerox” or “xerox” or the phrase “Xerox gang” in its future issues and news stories, as this practice diminishes the value of the trade name and puts it in a bad light, not to say that it constitutes improper and unauthorized use of the trade name.
—IWAO ABE, president,
Fuji Xerox Philippines Inc.,
6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati City