Ford and Mustang Emblems
Preface: Maybe this post should be title “PR Disaster Averted… by Brand-Management Jedi Scott Monty.” This story changed a lot in the few hours after it was published due to Ford rep Scott Monty. If you read through the updates you’ll see that he single-handedly put down an internet uprising by acting fast, talking to the lawyers to get the real story and then fully explaining Ford’s actual position on the subject…
Ford is suing multiple Ford enthusiast web sites. You may want to read that again. Ford is suing multiple Ford-enthusiast web sites. Ford Motor Company, who loses an average of $1,925 every time it sells a vehicle and who wants billions from the government to keep operating under a failed business model* is now suing people who run Ford vehicle fan sites.
Websites such as The Ranger Station, Michigan Mustang and Mustang Evolution** have received legal notices from Fords lawyers. Jalopnik reports:
In a recent letter to enthusiast web sites, Ford’s reportedly requiring the relinquishment of all Ford trademarks including domain names, banners, signs and merchandise as well as a restitution payment of $5,000 by December 19th.
This company doesn’t understanding anything about… well, anything.
People who run Ford-enthusiast websites should be Ford’s closest allies at this moment. The company is on the ropes. They’ve gone to the government hat-in-hand and been denied. This may be their final hour and they’re lashing out at the people they need the most: people who still believe in the company’s products. (Yes, they’re out there.) They should be cultivating these brand ambassadors, but no, they’d rather send the lawyers after their best, and maybe only, source of positive word-of-mouth.
This is so short-sighted it defies belief. That is, unless you know that in 2006 after posting a record $12.7 billion net loss Ford gave its new CEO Alan Mulally $28 million for four months on the job. (This is according to the company’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.) This man went to Washington in November with GM and Chrysler, collectively asking Congress to loan him $25 Billion of taxpayer money. When he was asked to take a symbolic salary cut to $1, not including stock options or bonuses where corporate-America CEOs make the majority of their money, he replied “I think I’m OK where I am.”(!?)
Well, pretty much no one else does, Alan. And now your company is suing the only people who do “think you’re OK where you are.”
What should Ford be doing with it’s fan sites? How about cultivating them? How about tapping into this community of folks passionate about your product…
- Sponsor a barbecue and talk to these people about why they’re passionate about past Ford vehicles and apply that to future products. (The Ranger Station? Who loves Ford Rangers? Why?)
- Host a track day at their proving grounds to strengthen the bond between the company and their most evangelistic customer base.
- Reaching out to them with special promotional products you can only get through membership so they can increase their numbers.
Or jeez, maybe they could just not sue them into oblivion. That’s free.
The hubris runs high at Ford and it goes all the way to the top. President Bush said that giving this company a loan would be throwing good money after bad. I finally agree with him.
*Ford has stated that they’re not facing short-term liquidity issues like GM and Chrysler and they will not be seeking any sort of government funding – Link
**Mustang Evolution and Michigan Mustang have since been removed from the original Jalopnik Article as defendants; they are just reporting on the issue.
SAME-DAY UPDATE:
Good news! At least someone at Ford is paying attention to their base: about 30 minutes after this was posted, Scott Monty, Global Digital Communications Ford Motor Company, left a comment below. I’m pasting it into the body of the story, because I think it’s important to note that there are people at Ford who are “not pleased” as well.
I’m looking into this personally with our Chief Trademark Counsel. I’m not pleased that such action would be taken, but I’m trying to understand the full ramifications of the story.
I’ll update when I know more.
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
He also has a good post on his blog about how Ford can pay more attention to their customers (instead of, say, suing them.) Thanks for chiming in, Scott, I’m looking forward to your update.
SAME-DAY UPDATE #2:
Scott has more info on The Ranger Station: They were selling counterfeit merchandise branded as Ford. Pulled from the comments:
Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention. Without question, Ford enthusiasts are extremely important to us. Their enthusiasm and loyalty are part of our heritage and part of what’s going to keep us moving forward.
Recently, there was an item posted stating that Ford was requesting TheRangerStation.com to turn over its URL to Ford and pay $5,000. We’d like the opportunity to share some additional facts that might make a difference in how you think about this situation.
In its communications, TheRangerStation.com stated that Ford was making them change the name of their site and pay $5,000. What was not mentioned was that TheRangerStation.com was selling counterfeit Ford-brand merchandise on the site. As a company, Ford has a responsibility to protect our brand and a responsibility to our licensees. We cannot let something like that pass. (The counterfeit goods have been removed from the website since TheRangerStation.com got the letter from Ford’s attorney.)
Please know that Ford takes no joy in pursuing enthusiast sites. Since there are a number of sites out there with Ford vehicles as part of their names or URLs, some people have asked if they should be concerned. Ford has been and continues to be willing to license its trademarks for use by enthusiast groups and enthusiast websites. Requesting a license is done easily by contacting tmgroup@ford.com. To request a license to produce or sell branded merchandise bearing Ford’s trademarks, contact branduse@ford.com.
In short, we are not asking for $5,000 and we would like TheRangerStation.com to keep the domain name. We simply encourage TheRangerStation.com to contact Ford to request a license to continue using the domain name.
We hope you will share this information with anyone who is concerned. We deeply appreciate our fans’ dedication and enthusiasm and want to be able to work together with all of our supporters to tell the Ford story.
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
That seems about 100% more reasonable, Scott. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. if anyone wants to get more on this story and read a play-by-play from Scott as he got to the bottom of things, check it out over at Mustang Evolution.
There are 68 Comments Leave A Comment
Twitter is just starting to buzz about this. Some at For have a clear lack of understanding the positive impact that fan sites can have, or negative if they rub them the wrong way, which they clearly are. The Ford SoMe evangelist at Ford is on the case though.
I’m looking into this personally with our Chief Trademark Counsel. I’m not pleased that such action would be taken, but I’m trying to understand the full ramifications of the story.
I’ll update when I know more.
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
A positive resolution would probably be to license the trademarks to the fan sites, that might be a necessary step for trademark protection. But that could probably be easily accomplished without suing them.
Sounds like a fubar
So Ford or the law firm is after a lousy $5000 at the same time they’re asking for billions in taxpayer dollars from the government? Jesus H. Christ, just tell the guy to quit making decals and not alienate the public more than they already are.
@JohnnyO We’re not asking any money from the proposed bill. Please see our statement: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29549
Eric, that was a thought I had, as well. Why not reach some sort of mutually beneficial licensing agreement with fan sites? This would ensure their future trademark protection against truly harmful uses, while supporting a community that supports them.
I just bought my wife a Honda Civic. She loves it. I wanted to get a F150 for myself now, especially since the prices are so good. We’ve had an Aerostar for 12 years and it has been a reliable vehicle. Cross country several times. Ugly as hell, but I have been defending Ford for 12 years because of that van!
I don’t care what Ford does at this point. The F150 is out. I’m dead serious. This absolutely disgusts me.
The first step towards effective national restructuring is investment in 1 bullet for each lawyer.
In order for Ford to have exclusive use of their trademarks, they have to pursue those that infringe them. I don’t know the law (my wife, the IP laywer does and I can’t ask just now), but they may have to do the saber rattling bit first before they come to an agreement.
HAHAHAH! They are going down so hard…
Check it out! http://www.shortershelflife.com
The kids are getting quick!!
Hopefully the Gov learned some lessons from the Wall Street bailout, that not only can it not be “business as usual,” but that any beneficiary companies must demonstrate a genuine, realistic business plan with milestones and qualification stages to provide green, non-Petro-terrorist, renewable, inexpensive energy sources — basic hurdle for even an SBA business loan. Sounds like Tesla Motors and Agassi’s Better Place. BTW, Detroit could’ve partnered & led the way on this.
I’ll be in the market to replace my ’92 Accord (once I find a job…?), but right now I’m looking for a highly reliable safe commuter diesel I can convert to WVO: commute at “free” per mile. Sounds like a used Jetta. Oops, is Detroit going to scream about WVO regulations again, or lead the way with superior innovation? How would a new Ford or GM be more economical? I don’t see it.
omg, yes, I saw the 12 years with an Aerostar and I had to chime in – what a fine vehicle. A minivan on an F-150 frame (only van I know of on truck frame) that can tow? Brilliant! Why doesn’t Ford make cars like that anymore?
The Ford Aerostar was the first vehicle I ever drove. What a fine vehicle.
/nostalgia
Not sure why i’m commenting but i just want to say that my Ranger has 260k miles on it and got me through college. It still gets me to work and back (75mi round trip) just fine every day. I don’t really have an issue with Ford products.
I apologize for not using my real name, but since Ford is sue-happy, I’d rather not.
Dear Ford: I’ll buy a GM car before I buy another Ford. And I hate GM cars.
Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention. Without question, Ford enthusiasts are extremely important to us. Their enthusiasm and loyalty are part of our heritage and part of what’s going to keep us moving forward.
Recently, there was an item posted stating that Ford was requesting TheRangerStation.com to turn over its URL to Ford and pay $5,000. We’d like the opportunity to share some additional facts that might make a difference in how you think about this situation.
In its communications, TheRangerStation.com stated that Ford was making them change the name of their site and pay $5,000. What was not mentioned was that TheRangerStation.com was selling counterfeit Ford-brand merchandise on the site. As a company, Ford has a responsibility to protect our brand and a responsibility to our licensees. We cannot let something like that pass. (The counterfeit goods have been removed from the website since TheRangerStation.com got the letter from Ford’s attorney.)
Please know that Ford takes no joy in pursuing enthusiast sites. Since there are a number of sites out there with Ford vehicles as part of their names or URLs, some people have asked if they should be concerned. Ford has been and continues to be willing to license its trademarks for use by enthusiast groups and enthusiast websites. Requesting a license is done easily by contacting tmgroup@ford.com. To request a license to produce or sell branded merchandise bearing Ford’s trademarks, contact branduse@ford.com.
In short, we are not asking for $5,000 and we would like TheRangerStation.com to keep the domain name. We simply encourage TheRangerStation.com to contact Ford to request a license to continue using the domain name.
We hope you will share this information with anyone who is concerned. We deeply appreciate our fans’ dedication and enthusiasm and want to be able to work together with all of our supporters to tell the Ford story.
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
According to a comment left on Reddit, this has something to do with the sites in question selling counterfeit Ford items.
Excellent recovery attempt Scott.
Maybe in the coming shakeups those with a clue will be allowed to outweigh those without?
They are required to protect their trademarks, but rather than SUE these people they should attempt to take them under the Ford umbrella and make them officially sanctioned, or somehow make it so that the trademark is protected under law without destroying the website. There ARE ways to do this.
What a comedy of errors!
Nick,
I have taken the seats out of my van and loaded it with rock for landscaping. It looked like it was going to bring the front wheels off the ground. That thing still got me home with no problems. I will never sell that vehicle, but I doubt I will buy another now (Ford).
We’ll see how this turns out and if I calm down, but this has really put a bad taste in my mouth.
Good thing I didn’t start an Aerostar fan site!
Ok, so here is what I do not understand: The government is going to bail out people who SUE their BRAND LOYAL CUSTOMERS! Now I am not marketing genius but I think that Suing your Brand Loyal Fanbase makes you have no customers?
This is the most idiotic thing that I’ve heard of.
I love my Mustang, and I bought stock in Ford, but they are really screwing the pooch with this move.
Also, Ford, if you’re losing 12.some odd million dollars, WHY ARE YOU PAYING YOUR CEO 28 MILLION DOLLARS?
Halve his salary, turn a small profit.. duh…
Mary
Meh. Who cares. Crappy cars/business mode. Heh, they can’t even scrounge off the Govt. without screwing up.
I bought a Mustang this year. I paid more than I should have for it (cheaply made). But Nobody other then ford makes that car, I wanted THAT car, I hate ford as a company. They need to wake up. If they go under I will really regret that purchase and will probably never buy American again.
Scott,
Thanks for standing up on this issue. It takes a lot of guts to come out here in public like this to discuss an embarrassing issue. We appreciate your accessibility and disclosure.
Scott, the fact that you read this blog in the first place, and more importantly, took the time to look into the issue and report back to the community says volumes. Great work.
Thanks for saying so, Chaos Motor. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.
Just to clarify – in that statement, we DO have a process for bringing people under the Ford umbrella and licensing them to use our material or sell our products.
Scott
I get the whole don’t-sell-stuff-with-our-logo-on-it aspect of this, but the story just reminds me of why I think the Out-of-Touch Big 3 need to die die die.
I drive a Ford Ranger and am very happy with it, but you don’t pay millions to your CEO and then turn around and ask the US taxpayers to bail you out. That’s a symptom of a larger disease. Ford is hurting because it can’t manage itself in a free market, so it deserves to go bankrupt. That’s how capitalism works. It’s not nice or kind. Just fair.
It looks like Socialistic Congress is going to rescue the Impotent Big 3, but American Autos will never get any of my money again (apart from the $172 they’ll get in the bailout from my family of 4). I’ll buy Japanese or German – anything to hasten the cancerous death of Detroit. I’d like to think they will change, but I bet $28 million they won’t.
Mary needs to learn the difference between “million” and “billion.”
My personal opinion is that the registered owner of therangerstation.com owes Ford NOTHING for the use of the word ‘ranger’ in its domain name. Ford: You don’t own the word ranger.
If he had used ‘thefordrangerstation.com’ you might have some ground to stand on. As it is, however, you need to leave the guy alone. He took the unlicensed products off of his site. That’s the only room you had for legal action.
My 800 shares of Ford stock… Sold as of 4 PM today. I’ll eat the loss and claim it on my taxes just to get this malignant growth out of my portfolio. My three Ford vehicles? Will be traded in, sold off… gone. Replaced with Toyotas or Hondas. My memberships at two Ford fan sites? Accounts closed. My house will be purged of all Ford merchandise.
I look forward to Ford being a part of American history like Edsel. Way to run a company into the ground! That dollar a year? Too much. I hope their little legalese revenue hunt proves fatal.
Oh, and furthermore: What gives Ford the right to bring ANY fan website ‘under its umbrella’? Protection of trademark against dilution doesn’t afford you the right to sue anyone that talks about your products. It doesn’t afford you the right to demand that a website operator either ‘comes under the umbrella and licenses itself’ or face the consequences.
I know that in our litigious society large companies LOVE to place the burden on the little guys so that they settle and sign agreements rather than have to spend hundreds of thousands on legal fees to protect themselves for something that should NEVER go to court…
What a pity. This always seems like the first refuge of a company in trouble– sue whoever they think they can get a buck out of.
Scott,
Very nice to see someone who is able to give out official statements involved in something like this. Definitely is something to your credit as well as Ford’s.
Given the rather long history of situations similar to this showing up with Ford-related websites over the years, is there any remote possibility of getting Ford to give enthusiast website owners and administrators some guidelines as to how they may AVOID issues like this coming up?
To be honest, some of the details of deals and statements from Ford in situations involving websites in the past have appeared confusing or seemed to show Ford changing their tune about what they really meant in that initial contact letter their lawyers send and has left many site owners nervous about coming under fire for simply having a the name of a Ford product in their domain name, or selling t-shirts with member cars on them to raise money for keeping the site online, and other such issues.
It would be fantastic if we could see Ford Motor Company outlining things for us (preferably without legalese being too heavily involved), telling us things like:
1. Don’t sell anything that says Mustang, Ford, Ranger, Taurus, etc.
2. Don’t sell anything with an oval on it that happens to be blue, a running horse that distinctly resembles the Mustang logo, or with any other Ford Motor Company logos.
3. It’s okay if you have a Ford-related domain name so long as you don’t do the following: (and whatever that is)
and so forth.
Mind you, for those reading, my numbered comments above are in no way anything Ford has said or will say, and I am not attempting to “put words in Ford Motor Company’s mouth” or anything of the sort. Nor would I, or any rational site owner, expect that any statement of the sort would be a guarantee of anything, but it would make a nice show of goodwill, I believe.
Those of us out here who are essentially promoting Ford Motor Company products, both past and present, and brand names are quite wary of unintentionally getting on the wrong side of the very company we rally around.
Robert,
Scott mentioned that the website took down the offending material. They are not looking for the domain name and any money anymore, they just request that they get a license to use their brand name. So I’m not sure why you’re still rambling about that several posts after his.
To the “why” in your second post: it has to do with making a profit off of someone else’s good name. It doesn’t matter whether or not you agree that this is morally wrong, it is still something you can be held accountable for if you aren’t careful.
@Concerned Admin,
If anything, today’s events have created an opportunity for departments within Ford to work more closely together. I’ve asked to be part of a bi-weekly meeting where issues like this are reviewed, so Communications can have a say in how things are handled.
And yes, I asked the very question that you did as to whether we had a site with guidelines that enthusiasts can refer to. Turns out we don’t. That’s something that we will be looking into.
I drive [every single day of the week] a 1964 Ford F100 pickup. It is a straight 6 and has NEVER EVER failed to start right up, even on the coldest of days.
The frame is solid with only a little rust in the bed and in the door frame step. Not bad at all for a vehicle made 45 years ago.
I plan on still being around in another 40 or 45 years so it will be interesting to see if any of those little plastic Japanese cars made over the last 10 – 15 years will be lovingly restored like I am in the process of doing with my truck. [I am assuming that the Citizens have not revolted by that time and oil is still available, big assumptions, I know.]
Most of the comments here are made by people who are poorly informed. True, General Motors manufactured 9.37 million cars and trucks at their various plants around the world last year yet, they lost $38.7 billion dollars.
Meanwhile, Toyota also produced 9.37 million vehicles. . .but, they made $17.1 billion dollars. . .
http://blog.mises.org/archives/009076.asp
GM, producer of the Hummer, appears to really have no idea what is going on. They have no idea what the American public wants to drive and they continue to produce some of the ugliest cars ever created [witness the Pontiac Azteka]. Remember that GM also introduced one of the first electric cars. . .and then crushed them all. . .
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nsJAlrYjGz8
At least Ford is trying to stay in the game and I think that they are succeeding. They introduced the first hybrid SUV [made here in Claycomo] and it is a good looking, well made vehicle. Their Focus, Flex and Fusion vehicles are smartly designed and perform as well in the mileage game as their Japanese counterparts.
It really is a myth that the American autoworker cannot build a good, competitive car. The main problem [especially in GM's case] is that management can’t DESIGN a good looking car. The cars that are built are every bit as good as the Japanese counter parts. . .
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/the-american-gas-guzzler-myth.htm
I grew up near the Ford Claycomo plant here in KC and I went to school with kids whose parents worked there and I guess I never lost sight of that.
The people, who are my neighbors. . .who are buying the goods and services of my other neighbors. . .are the ones making those cars. If their car gets 26 mpgs on the highway instead of 28, so what. . .that is a small price to pay to continue to have them as neighbors.
Most people don’t get that this is what the whole debate is really all about. Those of you who mistakenly believe that it would be great if Ford, GM & Chrysler closed their doors tomorrow really have no idea what is going on. . .certainly you did not read the whole story as Ford is targeting those who are selling fake merchandise and that is completely within their right to do so.
And, it is to Scott’s credit, and this website, that both sides are being presented.
Those of you who claim to be selling your stock because of what now really appears to be almost a misunderstanding are the ones who shop at Mall*Worts. Those who participated in the demise of Main Street USA and then complain about how bad things have gotten. You really have no idea that the mom & pop hardware store, that had everything you could ever imagine, was driven out of business by your actions. Most of you can’t remember the day when you could walk into a hardware store with one fastener that you need a match to. . .the owner of the store would find it and just give you the one you needed instead of making you purchase a blister pack of 12. . .
This is also about what little is left of our manufacturing base. It is about the middle class, small business owners that companies like Wal*Mart has shut down. It is about people having jobs, earning a living wage to buy a home and buying the goods and services that their friends and neighbors produce instead of being tied to a minimum wage job, standing all day at their register, shoving plastic shit into plastic bags and telling you to “have a nice day.”
The reason that Toyota can succeed at making a car here in the states is not because of the wage they are paying their employees, it is because they are not paying the health care of their employees who retired 10 or 20 years ago. Toyota has almost no retired employees here in the states to support. And, in their home nation, their country pays for all of the medical bills of the retired employees. Here, I think we refer to that as the evil “socialized medicine” but that is how automakers in other countries are able to spend more of their money on R & D instead of taking care of the people who got them there.
Something for you to think about. . .those of you capable of thought that is. . .
Well done, Scott Monty.
Excellent, and FAST, response. This will be studied in Public Relations 101 classes as How To Deal With The Internet Wisely.
A crisis often brings out the true leaders! If/when Ford restructures, you can be assured that Scott will land nicely ;)
I’m impressed, Scott. And that’s not saying a little. I’ve been hooting and hollering for a long time over American Car makers and their disdain for the consumer.
JackGraham has it right. Very well done!
I’m surprised. Scott made me actually like Ford just from him replying to this and being so informative.
Sorry, I wanted to add one more thing. In the heat of the RangerStation fiasco, I neglected to respond to some other points you made above.
1. Ford has not been denied. In fact, we chose *not* to accept any of the funds in the pending bill. Our statement is at: http://is.gd/aSY1
2. In my experience at Ford (and mind you it’s only been 5 months), Ford does not suffer from hubris. Anything but. That’s been part of our perception problem – we’ve just got our heads down and are working steadily.
3. Alan Mulally is a very honorable and likable guy. He had a long day of Congressional testimony behind him when he said that, and I’m sure he regrets it.
We’ve tried to put together a pretty plainspoken and user-friendly site to tell our story. It’s appropriately titled “The Ford Story” and can be found at http://thefordstory.com. I hope you’ll check it out, including a video of Alan on the “Our Plan” page.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our side of the situation and for being so fair in your airing of it.
Scott
Lots of Americans, including myself, really want Ford to succeed, but as a company with American values. That means one that values free market principles above all else. As has been said much elsewhere, companies that make poor investments must suffer the consequences. The case of having to license Hybrid Synergy from Toyota for the Ford Hybrids, instead of having a home-grown powertrain, is a prime example.
I’d love to see an American designed and built Ford that kicks my Prius’s ass.
Ed
I feel like I keep popping in here – sorry if I’m annoying you. @Ed Burns: the hybrid technology in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids is 100% Ford-developed. And with each getting at least 6 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid, they’re pretty impressive.
Enough to take on that Prius? That’s for you to say. These are mid-size sedans, so that has to be taken into account.
Great job with the crisis communication Scott. Good to see that Ford has a good team on the job to put the fires out ASAP. Now, if only you guys can do something about the image problem of poor quality (my 2000 Ford Focus has had an endless number of recalls even though the car was launched a year earlier), stop dragging your feet on increasing mileage and efficiency (again my Focus was advertised to get Hwy 32mpg but only get around 26mpg), and for God’s sake make some exciting cars.
Though, I will say, Ford did an absolutely amazing job with the Ford GT. I just hope they do not axe it and use it more to build excitement in the company. It is on par with the Ferrari.
This is what happens when you put ‘witch doctors’ in charge of companies .
I suppose if I created a website that was called “oakleystation.com” and sold counterfit Oakleys, then Oakley might want want to shut down the website too. It seems quite reasonable to me.
Well, hell, it seems I jumped the gun. This story was really bad at first. I certainly overreacted. Thanks to Scott Monty for clearing it up! I like Ford and I like Honda. I’ve had excellent results with both my entire life. Not sure about Chevy, but I know Dodge produces some serious garbage (first hand experience). Anyways, I’m just glad this got cleared up.
I’m trying to sort this all out as it seems so ridiculous.
My question is who posted the original notice on the website that didn’t include the explanation? Was that the executives at Ford? (This would have shown an extreme amount of insensitivity to the public’s perceptions.) Or was it a disgruntled “fan” who illegally used the Ford symbol for their financial benefit and was then, out of guilt, being vindictive? (Illegal use of the Ford symbol, by the way, would not be a different crime than pirating music.)
There are a lot of problems with Ford, for sure, as well as all the U.S. car makers, but requiring people to legally sell things with their brand name on it is not one of them. I would think that only suing the “fan” for $5,000 would be generous.
No, Ford, did not need this publicity right now. But it certainly acted within it’s legal rights and with good business sense. If there was an error on their part in this it was in the posting of the consequence without an explanation.
I just keep wondering what value is there to a “fan” who steals from you?
Whats the cost to “license” the domain name? Is it $5,000?
Ummm… wtf? They *require* a license for you to use the word “Ranger” (or any of their car names)? That’s almost as bad as Monster Cables suing everyone using “Monster”.
Scott – I recently bought a Toyota due to the long term reliability problems I have seen in Gm, Ford and Chyrsler cars, but recently it really has seemed like Ford at least is turning things around, both in quality control and in the total company management. I applaud you in the way you have handled this situation and you can consider me as one more likely customer due to the way Ford handled both this problem and the bailout. If your cars can continue increasing their long term reliability – which I think they will – I will definitely be buying a Ford in the next few years.
@Aielman – thanks for noticing and for giving us a fair shake. Car buying is a very personal decision, and the only thing we can do is to give you the information to be able to make that decision. If there’s anything you need to know, please reach out and I’ll do whatever I can.
@Pam – this was a case of the site owner panicking when he got the notice (I spoke with him on the phone, so I know what happened). He had the site for 10 years, and was facing the possibility of having to change the URL, not to mention that he didn’t have $5,000. He posted the pertinent (to him) facts, while leaving out that the reason Ford contacted him was because he was selling counterfeit goods. He felt terrible about it, and about the fact that the news spread so far so quickly. He’s really a good guy that wants to do the right thing. Plus – he’s a fan! Ford *should* be there to support fans, as long as they’re not infringing on any property rights.
@Bahamut – “license” doesn’t necessarily imply the exchange of money; it could be as simple as granting use. I can’t give a blanket statement, I hope you’ll understand.
As a proud owner of a 2004 Mercury Marauder that was stickered at $37,000 I think I have earned the right to use its likeness in any way I wish. I am a member of two owner forums and show it at local car shows. If you Ford CEO’s wanna be dicks to the people that take their own personal time to tell everyone what great cars you make – I am speechless.
It is absolutely incredible that Ford is offering to LICENSE fair use. Ford is pressing owners of its vehicles to obtain PERMISSION to show Ford’s cars or its own logo on their fan sites.
Those who think it’s ok to license your FREEDOM OF SPEECH need to wake up. You have just signed off on your RIGHTS and now your website will remain under constant scrutiny each time you post something, because you have entered into a CONTRACT with them.
Fight back, people. Wake up. Even copyrighted works can be copied for personal use. Of course you can show Ford’s logo on your site or have the word ‘ford’ in your domain without a license.
Bought a Ford Pinto in the 1970′s. It turned into a pile of red dust and oil spots right on the driveway, burned oil like a two-stroke and had a bad gas tank location. It was supposed to be an economy car but I never got good mileage with it either! I went out and bought a VW and never looked back! Ford lost me when they pawned off a piece of **** like the Pinto on an innocent trusting man. I worked hard for the money to buy that rip-off, and feel sore about it to this day. I expected quality and good engineering, instead I got screwed from the get-go! I can hardly sympathize with their “private jet executives” either, they look too well heeled to make a value based car for the common man. The Chinese work hard for their money too, maybe the will understand and sell a better product, the post WWII Germans sure did when the sold me my VW!
Frankly it smells like backpedaling spin and I’m left to wonder if “unlicensed” products are considered counterfeit or not. I’d rather buy a rice burner than I know won’t sue me for, say, making a calendar like a lot of people seem to be forgetting about.
The “must protect trademark”? I’m sure Legal will do brilliantly at the performance reviews this Q, but at the cost of the company. Perhaps Ford is taking lessons from RIAA. Good future, good future.
People who run Ford-enthusiast websites should be Ford’s closest allies at this moment. The company is on the ropes. They’ve gone to the government hat-in-hand and been denied. This may be their final hour and they’re lashing out at the people
http://manashosting.com
I’m surprised. Scott made me actually like Ford just from him replying to this and being so informative it was on the same day.
regards
http://manashosting.com
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