[RonDog]

From the Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/4329318p-5351592c.html:

The buzz: Parody Web site may be going, going, gone

By Kevin Yamamura -- Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 2:15 a.m. PDT Monday, September 9, 2002

Politicians love to parody.

Gov. Gray Davis, for instance, is known for his video productions shown at the annual legislative roast that include parodies of the television shows "Behind the Music" and "The Sopranos."

And now GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon has a parody of his own, a Web site called eGray that parodies the online auction site eBay. The site, www.e-gray.org, links several of the Democratic governor's policy decisions to past campaign contributions.

But this parody may come to an end.

Officials at eBay Inc. are reviewing the site for possible trademark infringement. "We're concerned with any attempt to play off of eBay's reputation or eBay's look and feel," said company spokesman Kevin Pursglove.

He said there have been numerous parodies of eBay's site before, but most have lasted for only a few days.

The site does contain a small disclaimer at the bottom, explaining that it "is in no way connected with eBay Inc." Still, Pursglove said, "we're reviewing what all our options are, including our legal options."

[RonDog]

From KXTV (News10) in Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto http://www.kxtv10.com/storyfull.asp?id=2486:

Simon Campaign Website Draws Ire of Online Auction House

Bill Simon's campaign could be in trouble over a web site that takes potshots at Governor Gray Davis. It's called eGray, and the online auction site eBay isn't too happy about it.

The site, which closely mirrors the graphic look of eBay, claims Governor Gray Davis is selling his influence to the highest bidder. The site offers mock auctions of political favors by Davis.

A spokesman for eBay said the Simon website infringes the company's copyright, and noted that the Simon campaign never asked for permission to duplicate the look and feel of eBay.

The online auction house is currently looking into whether or not it can take legal action against the Simon campaign.

Story last updated Friday, September 06, 2002 - 1:34 AM