Jim said >>Remember also that the name is a registered trademark.<<

Good point. Two thoughts. One, turning a companies simple toy into a cause for trying to do some good in the world...they should get grateful for such a thing.

Two. If they do want to sue, not only do I have nothing for them asset-wise, the media attention would only bring more attention to the cause, and the public backlash to their company could be massive. Plus no one is making money on this. I suspect there are others that might even desire legal action, because it could possibly draw the Darfur situation into our court system. In general, think we're within "fair use" here.

I guess if they sent a cease and desist I would do the prudent thing and speak with council.

>>Will the media make this connection between an eight year old "toy story" and a current international crisis story? Perhaps.<<

Good question. The 1/3 students writing letters to the media might not hit. The 1/3 to the president might not have initial impact. But the 1/3 to local government officials...maybe more so. And the visual impact of a picture of 100 (more?) Darfurby's representing a refugee camp in the middle of a classroom is fairly compelling to local TV and newspaper media (I think).

>>Test it out<<

Exactly, we have nothing to lose by trying.

Sent this to Freecycle Portland.

Wanted: Old Furby Toy

We're looking for your child's (or your) old Furby for a student project to bring attention to the current urgent situation in Darfur. (see darfurby.org for details). Will meet you at any Starbucks in your neighborhood (west side, east side, downtown Portland) to pick the Furby toy and thank you in person. Thank you.