Embassy
12-10-2008, 08:34 AM
This was posted on the Vic forums and thought it was worth posting here.
Was posted on one of the other forums I frequent...Not sure of the validity. Might be something to watch for!!
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32801
Ford is making me change the name of The Ranger Station and pay them $5,000. I have to sign an agreement as well and they want it all by the 19th of this month.
Ford feels that we are infringing on their trademarks and violating their intellectual property rights because we use 'Ranger' in our name.
Apparently it's ok for Ranger Boats, Polaris Ranger and the Lone Ranger.
We are not the first to get attacked by this:
http://www.michiganmustang.com/fordattacks.html
The question is, where do we go from here?
How are we possibly going to rename the site and still be able to attract Ranger owners, when Ford doesn't want us using their name
http://www.michiganmustang.com/fordattacks.html
Ford snakebites it's loyal followers!
Ford attacks parts Mustang suppliers, website enthusiasts and magazines. Donald Farr, an editor for Mustang Monthly wrote an article in the latest issue that Ford had sent a legal firm after places like Dallas Mustang, Mustang Plus and other parts houses. Please pick up a copy and read his writings.
It's only a matter of time for the magazine and websites using the Mustang name in reference to the Ford Mustang get a letter in the mail from the Howard, Phillips and Andersen legal firm. They are threatening a $100,000.00 lawsuit for damages. They want the domain names such as http://www.MichiganMustang.com to be turned over to Ford and the destruction of all banners, cards, signs and shirts. Along with a $5000.00 check for infringement damages.
If this continues, Michigan Mustang along with many other websites, non-sanctioned clubs, parts suppliers, magazines, clothes retailers and any other source for your Mustang pleasure not directly owned by Ford will be gone. I'm not sure if non-profit websites can be affected. I have not received any such letter as of yet, but if I do I will guarantee I will never purchase another Ford product again. I promote the ford Mustang and want everyone to go buy one, I think it's one of the greatest cars to be ever conceived. I ask why attack those who have done better then their own marketing department in keeping the excitement and attention on the very product they want everyone to see and buy.
I will be seeking advice from Donald Farr, some local sanctioned Mustang clubs as well as the Mustang Club of America. Who knows, maybe they can suggest a way to coincide with the big blue oval company. I don't believe they can be touched being a club. Maybe, just maybe Michigan Mustang will have to become a Mustang Club to be spared the legal guillotine.
I guess when you need money you take it how you can get it..
Granted, this all depends on if it's a legit issue or not.
If it's a repost, oh well.
Was posted on one of the other forums I frequent...Not sure of the validity. Might be something to watch for!!
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32801
Ford is making me change the name of The Ranger Station and pay them $5,000. I have to sign an agreement as well and they want it all by the 19th of this month.
Ford feels that we are infringing on their trademarks and violating their intellectual property rights because we use 'Ranger' in our name.
Apparently it's ok for Ranger Boats, Polaris Ranger and the Lone Ranger.
We are not the first to get attacked by this:
http://www.michiganmustang.com/fordattacks.html
The question is, where do we go from here?
How are we possibly going to rename the site and still be able to attract Ranger owners, when Ford doesn't want us using their name
http://www.michiganmustang.com/fordattacks.html
Ford snakebites it's loyal followers!
Ford attacks parts Mustang suppliers, website enthusiasts and magazines. Donald Farr, an editor for Mustang Monthly wrote an article in the latest issue that Ford had sent a legal firm after places like Dallas Mustang, Mustang Plus and other parts houses. Please pick up a copy and read his writings.
It's only a matter of time for the magazine and websites using the Mustang name in reference to the Ford Mustang get a letter in the mail from the Howard, Phillips and Andersen legal firm. They are threatening a $100,000.00 lawsuit for damages. They want the domain names such as http://www.MichiganMustang.com to be turned over to Ford and the destruction of all banners, cards, signs and shirts. Along with a $5000.00 check for infringement damages.
If this continues, Michigan Mustang along with many other websites, non-sanctioned clubs, parts suppliers, magazines, clothes retailers and any other source for your Mustang pleasure not directly owned by Ford will be gone. I'm not sure if non-profit websites can be affected. I have not received any such letter as of yet, but if I do I will guarantee I will never purchase another Ford product again. I promote the ford Mustang and want everyone to go buy one, I think it's one of the greatest cars to be ever conceived. I ask why attack those who have done better then their own marketing department in keeping the excitement and attention on the very product they want everyone to see and buy.
I will be seeking advice from Donald Farr, some local sanctioned Mustang clubs as well as the Mustang Club of America. Who knows, maybe they can suggest a way to coincide with the big blue oval company. I don't believe they can be touched being a club. Maybe, just maybe Michigan Mustang will have to become a Mustang Club to be spared the legal guillotine.
I guess when you need money you take it how you can get it..
Granted, this all depends on if it's a legit issue or not.
If it's a repost, oh well.