Ford suing Ferrari over the F-150 name
02-09-2011, 06:03 PM
#11
Originally Posted by QUIKAG,Feb 9 2011, 09:55 PM
The F-150 is one of Ford's most important trademarks without a doubt, so they probably had no choice but to sue Ferrari over it's use.
I would argue that the F-150 trucks probably makes more profit for Ford than Ferrari makes period, so you can imagine Ford will protect the name at all costs.
I would argue that the F-150 trucks probably makes more profit for Ford than Ferrari makes period, so you can imagine Ford will protect the name at all costs.
02-09-2011, 06:21 PM
#13
Originally Posted by Chris S,Feb 9 2011, 06:46 PM
For those of you who hope Ford loses, how would you like for a competitor to steal your trademark?
Ferrari shouldn't even be a competitor to begin with. They make super cars and cost a hell of a lot more.
02-09-2011, 06:26 PM
#14
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Originally Posted by Chris S,Feb 9 2011, 06:46 PM
For those of you who hope Ford loses, how would you like for a competitor to steal your trademark? Also, trademark holders need to vigorously defend their rights, b/c they could risk losing legal protections should their trademarks become a commonly used, generic term - which explains why Xerox fought so hard to prevent others from using their brand name as a substitute for "copy".
Think about how vigorously Ferrari has gone after kit car mfgs. making Ferrari replicas? Want to sell Ferrari logo'd gear? Better get it licensed, or expect Ferrari to sue you if you do it on a sizable enough scale to get noticed.
Normally, I'd guess this would be a slam dunk case in Ford's favor, but the outcome could be interesting due to 2 factors:
(a) Trademark infringement usually applies to commercial products, but Ferrari is not actually selling the F150. Infringement would prob. be more black and white if they sold merchandise branded w/ the F150 logo.
(B) F1 has no official presence in the US this year. It would be interesting to see if the F150 truck is even sold in the countries where F1 has a presence in '11.
Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney, but know just enough to play one on TV.
Think about how vigorously Ferrari has gone after kit car mfgs. making Ferrari replicas? Want to sell Ferrari logo'd gear? Better get it licensed, or expect Ferrari to sue you if you do it on a sizable enough scale to get noticed.
Normally, I'd guess this would be a slam dunk case in Ford's favor, but the outcome could be interesting due to 2 factors:
(a) Trademark infringement usually applies to commercial products, but Ferrari is not actually selling the F150. Infringement would prob. be more black and white if they sold merchandise branded w/ the F150 logo.
(B) F1 has no official presence in the US this year. It would be interesting to see if the F150 truck is even sold in the countries where F1 has a presence in '11.
Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney, but know just enough to play one on TV.
However, I disagree that Ferrari isn't using F150 in a commercial way. If Ferrari license ANY F150 merchandising including model cars, hats or posters then they have a financial interest in the name. Also, Ferrari sells cars in the US and markets F1 in the US. I really think Ford has a pretty clear case. Ferrari seemed to have dodged the F450 name which would have followed the naming convention of the F360 F430 etc. It's pretty clear they were aware of the Ford Fx50 naming scheme. It's not like it hasn't been around for almost as long as Ferrari. I don't see Ferrari winning this one.
Isn't there an F1 race in Canada? Ford trucks and F1 racing would be in the same country. Also if the F150 name appears in any Ferrari marketing material it would probably count for legal reasons.
02-09-2011, 07:20 PM
#18
Meh, why is everyone getting all huffy over this. 1) I don't care 2) is the F150 not Ford's trademark? So don't they have a right to protect it?
What if Ford made a truck specifically for truck racing with a 4.3L engine and named it the F430? I'm sure people here would take issue with that.
What if Ford made a truck specifically for truck racing with a 4.3L engine and named it the F430? I'm sure people here would take issue with that.
02-09-2011, 07:25 PM
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Guys, Ford HAS TO defend its trademark or they lose it. PERIOD. If they do not successfully defend it, Chevy and Chrysler and Honda can all come out with F-150 pickups too.
But on the other hand it is kinda funny to think of how the lawsuit will go. Ford will be explaining how their name is tarnished by Ferrari misusing the title.
But on the other hand it is kinda funny to think of how the lawsuit will go. Ford will be explaining how their name is tarnished by Ferrari misusing the title.
02-09-2011, 07:26 PM
#20
Originally Posted by TheDonEffect,Feb 9 2011, 08:20 PM
What if Ford made a truck specifically for truck racing with a 4.3L engine and named it the F430? I'm sure people here would take issue with that.