New to the forum, not Mustangs.
This subject isn't new, but how far Ford will go may be seen in Monster Cable's actions over the past several years. They have been pretty aggressive in sueing anyone with the word "Monster".
The only people that win are the lawyers... which i highly doubt drive a Mustang so they have no vested interest in this at all. I don't think I can support ford anymore because they apparently don't want to support me. I think I can make room for a 68 fastback in the future but after that I am most likely done with ford. I will take my money to someplace that will support me, my hobby and my interests. C'mon... the likelyhood of another car maker coming out with a Mustang... Yes they have the potential possibly but still... Protecting their trademark I see the point but they are seeking retribution for something... These companies sell FoMoCo and Ford Racing Equipment... Did ford not get the memo that these shops are their venders?
Kevin
Any company with
with the word Mustang, Ford, Thunderbird, Fairlane, Pinto, cougar, Shelby, etc...etc... in their business name, will be told to change their name, otherwise be sued.
They will have a problem with the Shelby part. Carrol Shelby owns his name. Plus there are several companies in Shelby, N. C. with the town name!! :o) Plus the ham radio club there puts on the famous Shelby Hamfest every year!
The Shelby name only applies if you're selling products that he designed, or if you're using his TM's to sell products he designed. ex. gt-500, eleanor etc.
FYI he just got one for GT-650! Wonder what that one's about???
We would be better off if we knew all of the facts. There is a good article in Mustang Monthly some 2 or 3 months ago, although it could be slanted. After all Ron Bramlett (Mustangs Plus) is the mags largest advertiser!
I do not remember reading anywhere that Ford licensed these companies to use its name in their business title. If that's true,( no licence )than those companies don't have a chance from a legal stand point. What I am interested in most is what has got Ford stirred up now.
You see, I don't think we would have a rear wheel drive Mustang without the strong aftermarket that exists. I remember back in 1989 when Ford was going to a Mazda front drive platform for the Mustang! And don't think that there was some real consideration for it! You can bet your behind that Ford was looking at the aftermarket hard while making the decision to stay with US production & rear drive.
I think that Ford is getting a lot of pressure to abandon its ties to old technology (carbs & smog ) in favor of green cars. I see a lot of commercials pushing that EV-85 fuel, and I feel that they are going to phase out gas motors soon. What does this have to do with companies using their ( Fords' ) trademarks ?
Ford is creating a new image worldwide. This will also change the US image abroad. I recently returned from 2 weeks in Europe, and I can tell you that there is not anything like the mods we do here over in EU! The price of fuel is double what we pay (figuring the Euro exch), and 90 percent of the cars are diesel powered. Those 2 factors make modifications prohibitive. In Gernany your auto registration fee is partially based upon engine displacement. The smaller the better! Big engines ( over 2 litres disp.) take a big hit at registration renewal!
I apologize for the long writing. I don't have all the answers although it may seem to some that I'm trying to be a "know it all". I do believe the answer to what is Ford's motivation lies Globally, not just in US shores.
Regards R.
I just read the article in Mustang Monthly July issue. I have to say this is some serious bs!!! Has anybody heard anything new about this. Gotta admit I am kinda ashamed to even tell my friends about this, it embarrasses me to be a ford fan. What the hell i mean seriously.