Copy and spread, readers...

Dear Mr. Linder:

Andrews McMeel Universal ("AMU") - through its Universal Press Syndicate and uclick LLC divisions - holds the newspaper and World Wide Web syndication rights for Ted Rall cartoons (the "Feature"). We are unable to find evidence that you've obtained permission for your use of the cartoon that appears at http://www.vanguardnewsnetwork.com/cartoons71.htm . We believe that this unauthorized use of the Feature constitutes an infringement of federal copyright law and may also violate other rights of AMU and Mr. Rall. We therefore request that you immediately remove the cartoon from the above referenced site.

We must point out that we believe any posting, publication or distribution of, or linkage to, the Feature after your receipt of this notice would constitute willful infringement, and could be the basis for additional penalties in the event of litigation.

Please advise us by return e-mail of your intentions regarding removal of the cartoon. The timing, nature and tenor of your response will be important to us in determining the next step in this matter.

Sincerely,

Eleanor DaCosta
Law Department
Andrews McMeel Universal
4520 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

. . . more to come!