"Any impartial assessment of the evidence would show that the case is indefensible on Shell's part," says Don Marketing managing director John Donovan. "This is a matter of principle. One of the largest companies in the world shouldn't need to steal ideas from promotional agencies.
May 1st, 1998:
Shell in legal row
This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website,
johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net,
are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.
Forecourt Trader: Don’s Smart writ
ARTICLE BEING ADDED TO OUR ONLINE ARCHIVE
Forecourt Trader: Don’s Smart writ
May 1998
Shell UK is being sued for allegedly breaching copyright on the idea it used to create Shell Smart Card, its loyalty programme.
John Donovan, managing director of Don Marketing UK, has issued the High Court Writ alleging that the current Smart scheme operated by Shell is based on a proposal that his company disclosed to the oil company in confidence. The writ also alleges breach of contract.
In 1989, Donovan’s company presented the idea of a multibrand loyalty card scheme to Paul King, who at that time was Shell UK’s national promotions manager. In July 1990, Shell took the option.
Promotions & Incentives: Shell stands firm on Smart charges
ARTICLE BEING ADDED TO OUR ONLINE ARCHIVE
Promotions & Incentives: Shell stands firm on Smart charges
May 1998
Shell will defend itself against claims by its former promotional agency Don Marketing, that it came up with Shell’s Smart consortium idea.
Don Marketing director, John Donovan, issued a writ against Shell on 9 April claiming multi-million pound damages.
Shell and Don Marketing have been discussing the allegations since Shell’s AGM last year. Both parties have assembled evidence and interviewed witnesses in the interim.
The action relates to proposals Don Marketing claims to have put to Shell in 1989 for a “multi brand” loyalty scheme. The agency claims it went as far as seeking out potential partners, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s before Shell said it did not wish to proceed with the idea in 1990.
Sales Promotion Magazine: Shell in legal row
Sales Promotion Magazine
May 1998
Shell in legal row
SP agency’s claims over Smart Card cause troubled water for oil company
A promotional agency is suing Shell (UK) for allegedly breaching copyright on the concept idea Shell used to create its multipartner Smart Card loyalty scheme.
The allegation follows two previously unpublished out- of-court settlements which were kept secret as part of the agreement reached by the two sides.
The legal dispute between Shell and Don Marketing could delay the card programme even further – its launch was originally planned for the end of last year before partners failed to agree on a date.
Loyalty Magazine: Shell Smart copyright battle gets nastier
Loyalty Magazine: Shell Smart copyright battle gets nastier
John Donovan, a director of Don Marketing UK ltd, believes he owns the copyright to the Shell Smart loyalty scheme. He has been involved in protracted legal wrangling with Shell UK and last month issued a High Court writ when talks broke down. Recently he decided to write to all Shell partners and petrol station managers warning them they may face legal action if they participate in the scheme. Donovan spoke to Loyalty about why he believes the copyright is his.
The advertisement in Marketing Week states that “Any business contemplating becoming a partner in the SMART consortium scheme is hereby notified that any such participation may involve an infringement of rights, rendering it liable to legal action.” It refers interested parties to its web site at www.don-marketing. com.
John Donovan is stepping up pressure on one of the largest company in the world, in his fight for recognition that he thought of the Shell Smart Card idea first.
That David is taking on Goliath is obvious, and in itself proof of the depth of feeling that the small man has been wronged.
Royal Dutch Shell conspired directly with Hitler, financed the Nazi Party, was anti-Semitic and sold out its own Dutch Jewish employees to the Nazis. Shell had a close relationship with the Nazis during and after the reign of Sir Henri Deterding, an ardent Nazi, and the founder and decades long leader of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. His burial ceremony, which had all the trappings of a state funeral, was held at his private estate in Mecklenburg, Germany. The spectacle (photographs below) included a funeral procession led by a horse drawn funeral hearse with senior Nazis officials and senior Royal Dutch Shell directors in attendance, Nazi salutes at the graveside, swastika banners on display and wreaths and personal tributes from Adolf Hitler and Reichsmarschall, Hermann Goring. Deterding was an honored associate and supporter of Hitler and a personal friend of Goring.
Deterding was the guest of Hitler during a four day summit meeting at Berchtesgaden. Sir Henri and Hitler both had ambitions on Russian oil fields. Only an honored personal guest would be rewarded with a private four day meeting at Hitler’s mountain top retreat.
IN JULY 2007, MR BILL CAMPBELL (ABOVE, A RETIRED GROUP AUDITOR OF SHELL INTERNATIONAL SENT AN EMAIL TO EVERY UK MP AND MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS: 
MORE DETAILS:
A head-cut image of Alfred Donovan (now deceased) appears courtesy of The Wall Street Journal.
