Ford protects Mustang name but only so far
By the Chicago Tribune
05 Mustang GT
Photo by Global Auto Index
A publication called Mustang Monthly says Ford Motor Co. is out to sue the pants off anyone using the Mustang name.
Partially true.
"We police and protect the trademark all the time, but every once in a while it pops up," Ford spokesman Dan Bedore said.
Bedore said a flurry of Internet chat room exchanges created the impression that Ford has filed a rash of suits.
The magazine said an Internet parts supplier using the Mustang name got a letter from Ford demanding payment. The inference was that Mustang clubs or even those wearing Mustang T-shirts risk standing before judge and jury -- if not CEO Bill Ford.
"We've invested a lot of money in the trademark and try to protect it," Bedore said. "Car parts Web sites using it are in business to make money, and they should pay us to use our trademark."
So did Ford ever demand a check from the now defunct Mustang Ranch, a bordello outside Las Vegas?
"It's when our name and logo are used to sell auto parts that it becomes a legal issue," Bedore said, and, of course, auto parts aren't what the ranch sold.
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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.
My next Ford.....
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