Author Topic: Did you guys see Fords (or should I say ****s) latest bonehead move? (Read 641 times)

Treize69 · « **on:** January 10, 2008, 11:04:03 AM »

Basically, they are suing over any and all rights to any of their products names and likenesses, including photos taken of privately owned vehicles and used for non-profit uses. For example, they are suing to keep car clubs from producing any calenders or other items with the Mustang or its logo on them- that even includes club insignias designed in-house that use the word "Mustang" or any likeness even remotely resembling the car or its logo.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2006/06/EditorsCorner/index.php

I've seen car companies make some stupid moves (Pontaic Aztek, anyone?), but this is a whole new level of "foot in mouth" marketing. Some of us have even gone to the extreme of covering up any and all Ford badging on our cars with black electrical tape.

Our car club has even gone so far as to change the header on our webpage.

indy007 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:11:28 AM »

Other companies have done this. Didn't hurt them one bit in the long run, but I don't think any of them were quite as large as Ford.

Airscrew · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:16:34 AM »

thats from June 2006, anything recent...

Maverick · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:19:47 AM »

Simple solution. Tell them that you have just decided to buy another brand car since they no longer feel the need to allow clubs to identify with their product. I'm sure that Chevy or Toyota won't have the same problem.

Treize69 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:23:22 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Airscrew
thats from June 2006, anything recent...

The "recent" is they are now actively moving to shut down any clubs/organisations/companies/websites/magazines/etc. with the name Ford or any of its products included in their name, and they are also claiming sole rights to any and all images of their products, including photos of cars that appear on shirts, websites, blogs, etc.

Airscrew · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:28:29 AM »

Well the article you linked is from June 2006. I just googled "Mustang Car Club" and got 290,000 hits... I looked at a couple and saw no indication they felt threatened by Ford or were in the process of making name changes. Just wondered if you had some information that was more recent, like maybe the last 3 months or so

Treize69 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:30:13 AM »

The actions they are taking have just started, if you can get in and look at the forums without being a member, check this thread out for where it started with our club.

http://www.bmcforums.com/showthread.php?t=42402

DiabloTX · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:48:16 AM »

As much of a Mustang basher as I've been all of my life this is completely insane. What is the thinking behind this? I can understand a company wanting to protect trademarked and copyrighted logos and designs but why bit the hand that feeds you? Crazy, crazy ****.

MadMan · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:50:16 AM »

Go out and buy Supras

Treize69 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:50:19 AM »

If they go through with this, I'm trading in the M****** and getting a Camaro.

DiabloTX · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:56:18 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Treize69
If they go through with this, I'm trading in the M****** and getting a Camaro.

You're gonna have to wait for a year or so. But yeah, you should have done that to begin with!

The M****** is hilarious!

Viking · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2008, 11:59:29 AM »

Ford has to do it due to silly US legislation. If they don't actively protect their trade marks they will lose them. Same thing happened to flight simulators, car video games, model kits etc. several years ago. This is also why there won't be any more US planes added to the IL2 plane set, after C1 was sued by Boeing.

Xargos · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2008, 12:01:13 PM »

And just think, some companies pay to have their products advertised.

Treize69 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2008, 12:02:31 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by DiabloTX
You're gonna have to wait for a year or so. But yeah, you should have done that to begin with!

I got my... "car"... brand new in the winter of '05-'06, I hadn't even heard of the new Cammies yet I don't think.

Either the Camaro or the Challenger, if that ever sees the showroom floor.

Viking · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2008, 12:04:42 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Xargos
And just think, some companies pay to have their products advertised.

Yes I know, it's silly. However Ford may lose their brand names, even their own Ford logo, if they don't actively protect them. And if Ford allows someone to use Ford's property, even for free, Ford can be held legally responsible for it under US law.