[quote user=tonyla]There wasn't very much substance to that post really. I'd be interested in hearing the other side before forming any opinions about the trademark issue.
Most of the REIN based accusations and implications are either based on incorrect information or half truths.
In the end it was her responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect her trademarks and businesses. So it's hard for me to understand exactly what she is upset about.
Registering a business name is enough to legally protect it from being trademarked by someone else, so she would have a very strong case if she registered the name before it was trademarked by someone else, especially because they are in the same business field. If the facts are as presented (most important is the order/dates) she'll win if she pursues the matter.
The headings on this post
http://landlordrescue.ca/rein-real-estate-investment-network/ are mostly not incorrect, although some of them are the sort of thing that can't be conclusively proven either way. For instance, the heading "REIN and Bad Press" states that REIN doesn't like bad press. Well, I'm sure that's true. I bet they're also opposed to kicking puppies.
"REIN and Don Campbell" and "Books as a Business Card" state that Don Campbell might not be a hero. Which is kind of here-nor-there since "hero" isn't a word with a strongly agreed-upon definition. The part about books as business cards is at least partially true, since there are references to REIN and their websites sprinkled throughout.
The section "Membership in REIN" just calculates out the amount of money REIN makes from membership fees. This doesn't seem like a big deal to me, since REIN is a for-profit business, as far as I know. (I have never seen anything indicating it's a not-for-profit association) REIN is a for profit business, and it's revenues are in the millions per year. (Her calculation of $6,447,600 is mathematically correct, but may be a bit high if that member number includes associate members, who pay less) REIN makes money. Big deal. If you don't like that, don't join. This isn't incorrect information, but I don't personally see why it matters.
Basically, it seems like she has a (quite possibly legitimate) beef with someone who is associated with REIN, and says a bunch of stuff like "REIN makes money" and "They're not heroes." The post didn't have a complimentary tone, but I doubt it could be the basis for a successful action.
Personally, I think very highly of REIN, and I've gotten a great deal out of Don Campbell's books. I also think it's exceptional that they provide this part of the forum for non-members. Some might say that's also a marketing tactic for REIN members, and I'm sure some have signed up based on value they've gotten from the forum. The biggest thing I've seen is a willingness to be light-handed with moderation, and allowing posts that are critical to stand, which is very big of them. That shows a character I've not seen from any other real estate education group.
Regards,
Michael
PS. I checked her assertion that REIN claims to have 2700 members. That figure comes from here:
http://reincanadamembership.com/membership-benefit/, so it's reasonable to rely on it.