>>> Press release from Greenpeace:

Court Rules that Greenpeace must stop subverting Esso France logo

Paris, Monday, 8th July, 2002: A Paris judge has ruled in favour of Esso France [a division of ExxonMobil] and ordered Greenpeace to stop using a parody of the Esso logo in its StopE$$o campaign in France, pending a full hearing of the case.

Justice Binoche rejected categorically Esso France’s claim that the design of the StopE$$o website logo linked the company to the infamous Nazi 'SS' and damaged Esso's reputation. Esso, which is marketed as Exxon and Mobil globally, was seeking 80,000 Euro per day if Greenpeace France did not comply, but the judge reduced this sum to 5,000 Euro per day and allowed the continued use of the term 'StopEsso'.

"Of course we are disappointed in the ruling. This decision is a blow for freedom of expression on the internet, as well as for the climate," said Greenpeace International Climate campaigner, Stephanie Tunmore.

“It is Esso's own behaviour in attempting to undermine international action on climate change that is damaging its reputation, rather than anything we are doing. As long as Esso continues to sabotage climate protection, it will continue to attract the anger of the public."

"Esso is trying to use the court system to 'shoot the messenger'. The company has a history of using money to get what it wants - whether that is lobbying the White House with millions of dollars, or buying pseudo-science and advertising campaigns that have the effect of confusing the public about global warming. Regardless of the outcome of this case, the global campaign to stop Esso's interference in international climate policy will continue," added Tunmore.

The French website over which Esso is sueing, is one of several StopE$$o sites globally.

"Esso can't win a debate about climate change, and it won't discuss the content of the website. Esso's action in taking Greenpeace to court has simply made its bad reputation even worse. This court case is just another attempt by Esso to use its money as a means of continuing its dirty business unhindered. But money can't buy justice and no-one, not even the richest oil corporation in the world, can buy the climate," concluded Tunmore.

[original press release]
[related article from the Guardian (London)]

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