Shimadzu Scientific Attempts Censorship
In a blatant attempt to silence the public dissemination of the truthful information on
our homepage, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (Columbia, MD, USA) retained the law firm of
Arent, Fox, Kintner, Plotkin & Kahn (Washington, DC, USA) who apparently threatened at
least two different Internet Server Providers (ISPs). Incredibly, Shimadzu's attorney
asserted that our website allegedly: 1) infringed on Shimadzu's trademark, 2) competed
unfairly with Shimadzu, and 3) that our actions could constitute one or more forms of
computer fraud. Lawyers representing our interests agrued that Shimadzu's complaints were
invalid and that the critical information on our homepage did not constitute copyright
infringement. As a matter of principle, legal action was taken to protect our right to
publish this valuable consumer information. If Shimadzu had their way, prospective
customers would never see this factual body of evidence!
We have conveyed to all parties (including Shimadzu) our willingness to make
corrections (if necessary) and issue apologies (if appropriate) for any apparent errors.
However, we absolutely refuse to be bullied by Shimadzu or their legal counsel to
remove this invaluable information from the world wide web altogether. We firmly believe
that the factual truth needs to be posted in a conspicuous place on the internet
considering the public availability of most of this information already under the Freedom
of Information Act.
Shimadzu's actions are unacceptable and disingenuous! If they resort to these kinds of
strongarm tactics, then how do you think that your customer questions or concerns will be
received and/or addressed should you have a problem with their products or services. We'd
like to hear about your customer bonding problems with Shimadzu!
Expect Less Value and More Disappointment from Shimadzu
This page was last 
12/31/00