News

Kinko's claims challenged by 30 Minute Photos Etc.

April 21, 2002

IRVINE, Calif. -- Boasts of photo printing prowess by Kinko's aren't going over well with the company's competition.

Mitchell Goldstone, co-owner of 30 Minute Photos Etc., objects to the claim by Kinko's in a press release that it is "the ultimate destination to print professional quality digital images quickly and easily." The press release announced the company's expansion of its photo services and rollout of Kodak Picture Maker kiosks to print digital images on photo quality paper.

Goldstone also disagrees with Kinko's' claim to be the only store to network Picture Maker kiosks to enable customers to access Kodak's PhotoNet and AOL's You've Got Pictures. At Goldstone's retail photo center, customers can also use his Picture Maker kiosk to upload images and are e-mailing and bringing in their digital camera memory cards, just as they do with film.

"In my opinion, both promotional claims are inaccurate," Goldstone said. "The fact is that scores of photo specialty dealers nationwide are now also featuring tools that unite film with digital imaging and are also justified to pronounce itself as the `ultimate destination.' "

Goldstone has decided against his legal counsel's suggestion to find the Kinko's press release actionable.