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Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator

NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28

The Barry of BarrysGrrl

No wonder why Ford is hurting with the attitude they have. That is a shameful way for a company like Ford to act. Mustangs+ ROCKS!

What can we do to help?

Back in 1976 my dad decided on a name that did not paint him into any corner, either geographically, or by product line, not knowing what the future would bring, and not wanting to limit himself to just one car. I've gotta remind him how wise he was back then, it's sure saved us from a nightmare.

But even beyond the name of the company, ALL OF US in this industry are wondering what Ford's attorneys are going to try to do next. Already, if you look at the cover of your latest NPD catalog, you can see the disclaimer we have in place, and the precise wording we use prior to the use of "Mustang". We've been playing it as safe as we can figure it, but it seems there's no limit to the corporate stupidity at hand here. It would be one thing if this industry were so poorly represented, that it created a blemish or black eye for the Mustang name. But that's not the case at all. This industry et al does a wonderful job by its customers, and a wonderful job helping keep those classics pristine, preserving the American tradition that is Mustang, such that Ford actually has a living legacy remaining to cash in on with its newest retro designs. Without us having kept all those cars on the road, and on the showfields, in front of the kids, there would be no Mustang today as you see it.

Anyhow, this is sad news to see. Sad that a company like Ford is so shortsighted. Henry is doing backflips in his grave. But don't think this type of behavior is limited to Ford. Classic Industries and Original Parts Group used to have trademarked Chevy names in their names. They switched up back in the late 80's, due to a foul odor they began smelling downwind from Michigan.

This is almost as bad as the Olympics and Super Bowl names!

Hey Alex, you got a letter yet? Will this place have to become "blueovalponycarsandmore"???

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68 coupe, red on black. FULL RESTORATION UNDERWAY!!! http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/MembersPics/kinger44.html

Come and get me!!!

quote:

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Originally posted by Darryl Eichenlaub:
. The sad thing about all of this is it comes down to the almighty buck. When this is all said and done the CEO will be making millions and the lawyers will be getting rich.

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And sadly, a hard working guy like Mustangs Plus owner is going to take in the tailpipe.

I think I am going to order something from MustangsPlus just to lend some support.

Phil

quote:

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Originally posted by gmliebau:
Should I even say the word?.....MUSTANG

Come and get me!!!

What a waste of time & money. Maybe Ford will start selling aftermarket resotration parts and charging twice the amount as everyone else.

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Better get ALL your parts while you still can.
Ed, Shelby's Goons are liable to come after us too...

William Clay Ford, Jr.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
ONE AMERICAN ROAD
DEARBORN MI 48126

William Clay Ford, Director Emeritus
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
ONE AMERICAN ROAD
DEARBORN MI 48126

Dear Mr. Ford,
I am writing to express my concern about the recent actions of your legal department with regard to the protection of the Mustang trademark.

I consider myself to be an avid Mustang enthusiast, and currently own two of them, one a 1968 Mustang fastback, and the other a 2003 Mustang Mach 1. Although I have to admit that my interest in Mustangs was founded in the classic 65-68 styling, the recent styling changes have renewed my interest in the new models. These are not the only Ford products I currently own or have owned, but are representative of the fact that I am a loyal Ford customer, particularly in regard to the Mustang.

The information I am receiving is that Ford・s legal department is taking action against businesses that have the word ・Mustang・ as part of their business name, webpage, or other advertising mediums. This action requires the business to not only change their name, but destroy any and all property that displays that name, and remit $10,000 to Ford Motor Company.

My concern with this action lies in the fact that I rely upon these businesses to provide me with restoration parts for my 1968 Mustang. This legal action will not only make it harder to locate businesses that specifically cater to the Mustang restoration hobby, but will make all of my future purchases more expensive as the action Ford is taking will incur significant expenses that will likely be passed on to the consumer.

As a loyal consumer, I am personally offended by this legal action that is being taken against businesses that cater to the Mustang and consider it a huge ・slap in the face.・ Considering the success of the Mustang and the intense loyalty of Mustang owners, the legal action being taken is seen as Ford Motor Company ・cutting off the hand that feeds it.・ I see this action as an attack on the very businesses that have maintained the classic Mustang and propelled the success of current models with the promotion of popular aftermarket products.

I understand the need to protect the Mustang trademark, particularly in light of the highly publicized debacles surrounding the names ・Futura・, ・GT-40・, and ・Cobra.・ I also understand the need to protect Ford from damages that may be incurred due to the misuse of the trademark ・Mustang,・ due to its common association with Ford Motor Company.

I feel that a more prudent method of protecting that trademark, as it applies to business that cater to the Mustang hobby, would be the official licensing of the ・Mustang・ name as it is incorporated in any existing and future business names. This is particularly important to businesses that sell Mustang parts, keeping our cars on the road longer (effectively free advertising for Ford in regard to product longevity), businesses that promote the Mustang such as magazines (also effectively free advertising for the Mustang), and businesses that actually manufacture the reproduction or aftermarket parts.

I would like to suggest that a license be issued to any legitimate business that promotes the Ford Mustang in a positive manner for the sum of one dollar. This would allow for existing businesses to continue operating as they have with no impact to the consumer, and allow for Ford Motor Company to protect the ・Mustang・ trademark through an appropriate licensing process.

I would also like to add that as an informed consumer, I am also aware of the recent awards your legal department, particularly the intellectual property group. I would like to offer sincere congratulations on their success and I share your pride with their performance. However, I would also like to caution you that the actions they take to protect Ford intellectual property need to be taken with prudence so as not to alienate loyal customers.

Please consider this letter as an appeal from a loyal customer looking for Ford Motor Company to amend its current legal tactics with regard to actions taken against Mustang related businesses and thus retain me as a loyal customer. Without a public change in legal tactics, I cannot say with confidence that my next purchase will be a Ford product.

Please feel free to contact me at the above address, telephone___________, or email ____________________ if you have any questions or concerns regarding this letter.

Repecfully,

_________________

Mine goes like this;
tHIS IS CRAP PLEASE STOP OR i'LL STOPE spending my stolen fOODSTAMP MONEYS.. TO BUY MANY fORDS....

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I would also like to add that as an informed consumer, I am also aware of the recent awards your legal department, particularly the intellectual property group. I would like to offer sincere congratulations on their success and I share your pride with their performance.

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If would be pretty hard to share his pride in that he's got his 'up to the pits' waders on wallowing in the family name of Ford and that HE'S the real McCoy!