I got a better translation:
"The Statement of Nikon Polska of 4 May 2010.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Relating to the steps taken by Nikon Polska towards those Internet domains which have been using the Nikon trademark, we would like to explain that they constitute a part of our initiative which aim is to assure the coherent usage of Nikon brand name and its logotype. The steps, taken by us, will concern all domains which have the word “Nikon” in their names, regardless of their profiles and real activities. Such an action will ensure that the Nikon trademark is used in full accordance with the corporate policy and the law concerning the usage of the Nikon registered trademark.
Simultaneously, we would like to assure you that those activities are by no means aimed at the communities of our fans and customers. Every initiative taken by them, has been a precious source of information for us, letting us know what areas of our activity might need changing. We are very pleased that the Nikon catchword has been used by them so often but, on the other hand, we must make sure it always appears in the right contest and is not misunderstood. The policy of the Nikon company concerning the protection of intellectual property rights and the trademark will guarantee the accuracy of announcements signed by the Nikon brand name. We count on understanding of all those people for whom the current situation has become uncomfortable in any way.
Yours faithfully
Magdalena Michalska-Szmidt
Nikon Polska Marketing and PR manager "

any way, it all started once people start express their feelings about nikon services in Poland, which unless You are a professional (member of the NPS - which also is another topic, as only users of d700, d3 and d3x are eligible - d300s is not consider as a professional equipment by Nikon Polska) suck a lot (too long, pricey, unsolved problems, etc).

as for the word "nikoniarze.pl" - it's means - nikon users (nikoners)

I found the crappy translation of why Nikon is asking them to stop using the word "Nikon".

Dear Sirs,
Referring to commented on the Internet of Poland and the Nikon domains that use the trademark of Nikon, we want to clarify that they are associated with an initiative for a consistent use of logos and brand Nikon. Steps taken by us will include all domains in the name of mentioning the word Nikon, regardless of their profile. These activities are designed to ensure conformity with corporate policy and the law of trademark or service mark use Nikon.
At the same time we want to ensure that these actions in any way are not directed against communities of our customers and fans of the brand. Any initiative taken by them is a valuable source of information, which areas of our activities require any changes. We are pleased that Nikon password is often cited by them, but we must take care that appeared in a context which does not mislead the public. Nikon's policy for the protection of intellectual property and trade mark shall give a guarantee of the accuracy of messages signed with the brand Nikon. We count on your understanding of all persons for whom there was a situation poses any inconvenience.
Yours sincerely,
Magdalena Michalska-Schmidt
Head of Marketing and PR Nikon Poland

I would say "nikoniarze" is a new made up word and is not the same as "Nikon Iarze". So not sure if we could get away with changing the spelling of this site to "Nikonrumors" instead of "Nikon" Rumors if Nikon were to kick down the door to admins house someday. But I'm no lawyer.

And just for the record
This site (nikonrumors.com) has no affiliation with Nikon USA or any other subsidiary of Nikon. Please visit the official Nikon website at nikon.com :^)

I'm thinking that it's not so much that the word "Nikon" is the used in the name but that Nikon.org and PolishNikonservice.com do sound like "official" websites. If I was a Polish soccer mom looking to get my camera serviced I'd click on Polishnikonservice.com thinking that's the link I should go to get help from Nikon.

Or I might be looking to buy my first Nikon and go to Nikon.org thinking that's an "official" or Nikon "sponsored" help forum. But then I read the Polish "jonnyapple's" guide on how to open up my SB600 and fix it myself instead of sending it to the "real" Nikon for service.

Remember that DTownTV stopped using the word "Nikon" too and changed it's format. Though that might not be related and they might have just dropped Nikon to get more canon/Sony/Pentax users to come to the site. But I'm thinking they wanted Nikon to sponsor them and Nikon said no or the sponsorship deal ended so they couldn't keep using "Nikon".

bmxdad said:
Are we in danger here at NRF, please don't tell anyone at Nikon, or do anything to draw attention to us ;~)

Pete

I think we are safe (I have 2 backup plans) - check this out: http://disney-sucks.com - they went trough a lawsuit and Disney lost if I remember correctly. There is the so called "fair use clause" (http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html). The case with CanonRumors was different because they used the original Canon logo - after the logo was removed, Canon let it go.

Have the owners of those Polish website considered any legal help? I think the new domain of the Polish forum still contains the world Nikon (nikoniarze.pl), so why did they change?

Makes you wonder:

http://www.lenstip.com/1826-news-What_is_Nikon_Polska_planning_.html
Interesting read:

how come there is nothing on the main page here?

niko - yeah, I remember, but it wasn't open for all, only for the chosen ones

I definitely see them wanting Nikon.org, Nikon.com, etc reserved. The PolishNikonService.com is a bit of a stretch. That looks like the type of name that those who are pfishing use to make people think it is a company address. Other than that, the URL really isn't that meaningful and I never go looking for a URL directly, always Google the information I want and go to where it is.

Last year it was a UK only deal. You got a free SB900 with the purchase of a D300S!
http://nikonrumors.com/2009/11/21/nikon-deals.aspx

where have You seen a free sb900 with d300s

So then can I interest you in switching to an Olympus E-PL1? :^P

Just kidding Adam. Please don't jump ship and switch. Maybe Nikon Polska didn't have a problem with those websites before but then Nikon Japan did and asked that they change the name. I think this is true in other countries and not just Poland. But the website's are still there so that's the important part.

I know it might not seem like a friendly thing to do but I think Nikon does have the right to "protect" it's name. Even if they never complained about it before. Who knows maybe someday Nikon will get pissed off at us and demand we not use Nikon in our name too.

And as the lack of promotions I know that hurts more. I'd like to get a free battery grip with my D700 or a free SB900 with a D300S purchase!

Niko, I don't care which address I type. I care of the way I'm being treated by someone who makes profit from money. If some kind of activity was ok for many years, and now it is perceived in a bad way just because users shared their experience with nikon service. That's not the way things should be done. Instead of closing a domain name, the service should be improved. Why so many different nations receive discounts and promotions and we (nikon users in Poland) can't have any of them.

Yes, just a name, but that being said I hope Nikon realize that we don't hurt there brand image, we have in matter of fact defended it if needed. I think we as a group have created a few new Nikon users,

Pete

But Adam it is "just" a name change right? I mean if Nikon told us to stop using Nikon in the title we'd just change the name and everything else would still be the same wouldn't it?

NikoDoby said:
Nah, we've got a back up plan just in case. Admin says he'll just get rid of the second "n" in the Nikon Rumors title :^)

And Niko rules the World, and we all bow in front of you, or being we don't really know who you are we will just pretend to do it

Pete

Nither one of this sites were selling anything. Both of them operate on the same basis as this site. Moreover, for long period of time Nikon Polska was supporting nikon.org.pl events. It all changed recently. Not knowing why.
It's like Nikon USA will tell to change the domain name of our forum only because some of the information over here are showing the truth about the company.

Nah, we've got a back up plan just in case. Admin says he'll just get rid of the second "n" in the Nikon Rumors title :^)

Are we in danger here at NRF, please don't tell anyone at Nikon, or do anything to draw attention to us ;~)

Pete

I don't think they are trying to shut these sites down. They are just telling them to change the name. That's a very common thing on the internet. Not sure if those polish sites charged any membership fees, etc. but if they were making money off of the Nikon name or including the Nikon logo that's a pretty big No, No with any company not just Nikon.

Remember when Apple went after a lot of websites for kinda the same reason. Ford Motor Company also went after fan sites selling Ford shirts, calendars, etc. through some fan websites. So it's more common then you'd think.

This relates to how poorly the Nikon Parent Company is controlling its Global market, special with repair/warranty service.

Warranty Card states one thing, but is actual not honored by most Service Regions

But would not trying to shut down a same Brand Fan web site, be like shooting yourself in your own foot

Pete

Seriously, it's only a name change. I would have done the same.

I think it's all about "protecting" the Nikon name. But it's not just Nikon. Remember when canonrumors got into legal trouble with canon over the use of the word "canon" and their logo. Might be a similar thing.

To me polishnikonservice.com sounds like an official Nikon website which it isn't. And Nikon.org does too.

As some of You know, especially the ones who live in Central Europe, we (polish nikon users) are facing some ridiculous practices from Nikon Polska. Only recently two of our most popular communities were forced to change their domain names, nikon.org.pl - biggest polish nikon forum - became nikoniarze.pl and polishnikonservice.com - place where users could exchange info about services provided by Nikon Polska (commonly bad experiences) - became zoltyserwisfotograficzny.info . Is this the way Nikon should be perceived among their customers, as a company which is unable to deal with facts and figures. IMHO no. Nikon Polska showed once again that they don't care at all about our needs (polish nikon customers). Nikon Global, do You really want to have such a reputation on a +/-40 million market. IMHO no.