Ford is Sueing Aftermarket Companies

[vristang]

I hope all of you have seen this thread.
http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=639393

Basically Ford has decided to crack down on all the aftermarket companies that use the word "Mustang" and/or "Ford" in their company name or web address.

Here is a petition that is being signed on the net
http://www.petitiononline.com/65must65/petition.html


Also,
I propose that we do something for the upcoming Mustang show at Bellevue CC. With the massive number of Ford/Mustang enthusiasts there, we may have a chance of appealing to the better side of Ford.

Ford/SVT has had a trailer there the last few years, so this is great opportunity.

I am not sure what exactly to do though.
Obviously a letter which could be signed by those who protest Fords actions.

If you have any other ideas post them up.
Keep it professional though. We want to present an intelligent argument.

jason

 

[98Snakebite]

What a crock of ****. I mean I know Ford needs money but seriously...

Each bit of shenanigans they do gets me closer to buying a Toyota.

#1672 Signed.

 

[ddonaca351]

#1697 signed....

First they do away with SVT, now this... what kind of drugs is the CEO on?!?!

"I know first we'll get rid of the only good vehicles that we build (svt: cobra/lightning/focus), then we'll sue everybody and piss off MILLIONS of our faithfull customers... yeah that's a good idea!"


Dave-

 

[Black 93 Fox]

#1698 signed, I think its stupid I mean all these performance shops are doing is creating more buisness for Ford.

 

[Bluffing024]

#1701

 

[S351Saleen77]

#1733

This is the most stupid thing they can do

 

[Stangler]

Signed-

What do you think they will call the Fun Ford Weekend or the NMRA?

 

[352Ford2]

1796
Is Ford trying to bankrupt themselves?

 

[DNA DOA]

1824

 

[f4fntm]

It isn't a big deal. Nobody has to stop selling parts for Mustangs. They simply have to stop using the word Mustang in their company name. Ford is only protecting their rights regarding the Mustang nameplate. All big companies with valuable trademarks do the same.

BTW, online petitions mean nothing. Especially when they're as poorly written as that one . You want Ford (or anyone else's) attention, use a pen and paper.

 

[S351Saleen77]

It isn't a big deal. Nobody has to stop selling parts for Mustangs. They simply have to stop using the word Mustang in their company name. Ford is only protecting their rights regarding the Mustang nameplate. All big companies with valuable trademarks do the same.

BTW, online petitions mean nothing. Especially when they're as poorly written as that one . You want Ford (or anyone else's) attention, use a pen and paper.

I disagree. Sure they can still sell parts but not being able to use Mustang in the name I think is wrong. I don't see chevy doing it with all the Corvette or Camaro related companys. I think by using the name it supports the Mustang and makes the following stronger which ultimately is better for Ford in the long run.

 

[Johnnb]

I am not a legal expert but I personally don't see how this is going to fly especially with a name such as mustang. I mean what are they going to do next sue horse ranches, places to eat, and cities next?

I know Spike Lee tried something such as this when Spike T.V was up and starting and don't understand that type of ego. Ford must really be hurting for money.

 

[f4fntm]

I disagree. Sure they can still sell parts but not being able to use Mustang in the name I think is wrong. I don't see chevy doing it with all the Corvette or Camaro related companys. .

Wrong for Ford to protect their trademarks from infringement? Laws protecting intellectual property have been around for many years, and trademark owners have been suing those who violate their trademarks for just as long. In fact, if Ford did not actively protect it's trademark, the law says it will lapse back into public domain. And of course, whether or not you're aware of other trademark lawsuits is irrelevant. They're out there.

I think by using the name it supports the Mustang and makes the following stronger which ultimately is better for Ford in the long run.

A company making aftermarket parts for Mustangs is fine. Taking the Mustang name as it's own isn't.

I am not a legal expert

Correct. If you were a legal expert, you'd know that the Mustang name is only protected where possible competition arises between the owner of the trademark and others. Is there any competition between a horse farm selling ponies and an automobile manufacturer? No. Therefore, no trademark violation exists if a horse farm calls it's product a mustang. Is there possible competition between, say, Texas Mustangs and Ford for Mustang performance parts sales? There is. Under those circumstances, it's unlawful for Texas Mustangs to use the Mustang name.

Ford has spent decades and many millions of dollars building Mustangs and the Mustang reputation. Why should aftermarket companies now be allowed to cash in on this by using Ford's own trademark to help them take sales away from Ford (i.e., FRPP)?

Incidentally, anyone who thinks Ford is going to make any money off these silly little lawsuits is not in touch with how much legal services cost nowadays.

After this enforcement phase blows over, all the same Mustang parts will still be out there, and Mustang enthusiasts will still know where to find them. No big deal.

 

[JetBrett]

Well, I guess I am a "legal expert" but I do need to know more about the lawsuit. While it is true that if Ford does not try to protect their trademarked name, there is a bit more to it than that. Are they trying to keep companies from using the running pony? (I'm surprised they haven't tried to do this before) Is Ford only going after the retailers/distributors who use "Mustang" in their business name (ie: Mustangperformance.com, DallasMustangs.com, etc) Are there companies out there who construct products under the mustang name (ie: Mustang Performance Springs, etc)?

Obviously, a manufacturer in direct competition or the same industry as Ford is a clear - and I think - legitimate target for a trademark infringement lawsuit. However, I don't think that mere retailers are competing with Ford. Retailers who use "Mustang" in their business name are simply alerting potential customers that they are selling products for the Mustang. Honestly, I don't know of any retailers who have the word "Mustang" in their business name who don't also sell Ford Racing Parts. How else would one get the word out that they specialize in aftermarket products for the Mustang if they can't even use the word mustang in their business name.

 

[FE_NUT]

What....No more mustang ranch??

 

[agirlbeatyou]

What....No more mustang ranch??

HAHAH only you my dear would think of that.. actually it is closed down. you could of called it the "sten" ranch!!!

 

[vristang]

HAHAH only you my dear would think of that.. actually it is closed down. you could of called it the "sten" ranch!!!

I was told that the Mustang Ranch just changed their focus to early Mustangs and cougars.
I haven't been out there in quite some time

 

[FE_NUT]

 

[FE_NUT]

Yuh hate to see a business go under, There must not be a huge demand for ranch hand jobs.

 

[S351Saleen77]

WOW! Glad we do have a legal expert on this forum

Whats nice is everyone can have their own opinion. I still think that the guy who wants to start a business and have the name Mustang in it should be able to. Like Mikes Mustang that used to be in Marysville. People knew by the name that is what he specialized in so they took their cars there to be worked on. A company like Dallas Mustang that has been around for years supporting classic Mustangs BIG DEAL they use Mustang in their name.

I hope that car clubs don't have to change their names also, Mustangs Northwest could become "Native American Horse Northwest" yeah...Ford should be sued for using the name of the horse. I say we should sue Ford for all the poor Mustang horses out there who never got any money from Ford using THEIR name and image to sell a car!!! The horses deserve to live a lavish life of being pampered for Fords GREED in not paying them anything and using their name!! Shame on Ford!!!

Pretty stupid isn't it? My point exactly.