Ford suing enthusiast site???
 

This is an email I got from the admin at The Ranger Station that I am a member of.
What do you guys think of thi? I did a Google search and found other people talking about it.



Dear Member,

I appologize for this email. I don't normally email the members but this is an emergency.

Today, (December 9, 2008) I received a letter from the law offices of Howard, Phillips & Andersen that represent the Ford Motor Company. Ford is forcing us to surrender the name 'therangerstation.com' to them and stop using it. Ford states that using the name 'Ranger' when used in reference to the Ford Ranger is a trademark violation. In addition they are wanting me to pay them $5,000.

As you may know, The Ranger Station has been around for the past 10 years and has been a valuable resource to Ranger enthusiasts.

If Ford does this to us, where will they stop?

I have 10-days to surrender the name and pay them $5,000. I'm asking that you contact Ford online and ask them to reconsider making us change our name and prohibiting us from using the word 'Ranger'.

You can contact them at:

https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=PublicAffairs

a sample of what one of the members wrote is:

"To whom it may concern:

I am writing concerning your recent legal attacks on various "fan" websites for vehicles such as the Mustang and Ranger. I am insulted by this careless misuse of our legal system and am reconsidering any further vehicle purchases from your company until you cease and desist from any further legal action concerning this subject. I have been a Ford owner for many years and I had hoped to stay that way. These attacks are morally wrong since they are geared towards your customers, and do not instill the least bit of confidence in your brand. For the sake of your business, I ask you to please reconsider immediately.

Thank you."

Thank you for your support and I applogize for this email.

Jim xxxx
TheRangerStation.com

Pretty stupid. "Hey, lets piss off the small loyal base of buyers that we have left!"

Good to know they are investing time and money into their biggest problems.

Especially for a truck that runs on the same platform as the Napa Parts Truck I drove over ten years ago.

They might try contacting the guy which runs www.blueovalnews.com

He has had many dealings with Ford and it's lawyers, mostly for posting memos which were already published.

I wouldn't be surprized if it is a scam by some lawyer who doesn't really represent ford at all, but is just looking for a quick and easy 5 grand.

I know it's hard to believe that there are any sleazy lawyers out there, but they do exist ;)

It sounds like this may be about selling unauthorized trademark products such as stickers.

+1. Even harder to believe there's a Ranger enthusiasts site too :)

Hey! I http://forums.pelicanparts.com/suppo...eys/face80.gif my Ranger. It's been 98K miles trouble free. Knock on wood!

A few years ago, our Hot Rod club got one of these letters from GM, as every year we build & raffle off a car (that year it was I think a 57 Chevy) and we put a picture of the cars we build on the event t-shirts. Ford found out about it & sent us a letter saying that we had their blessing to use any Fords pictures we built. The money we raise goes to Special Olympics, not to profit. GM backed down after they found out what we really do.

Good friend has one, loves his too...but an "enthusiasts site" :)?

Ah, let Ford go bust. The new owners (Toyota?) should be a bit smarter.

Ya, they apparently have been doing this nonsense for years. The law firm is 'questionable'

http://vwsucksass.com/forum/howard-phillips-andersen-b6.0/

Porsche does that from time to time as well - the 944 DIY site clarksgarage once had a 944-ish name on it.

Counterpoint: Ford does have a valid reason behind their request: Brand identity and protection: Since the ranger site is not owned or operated by Ford, they have no control over what that site does. However, their truck is associated with that site. All you need is some idiot "be inspired" to do something stupid based on what he read on the ranger site, then wind up maming himself or killing is buddy. Then, he will sue not only the ranger site, but also Ford.
Further: Ford has no say in that website, therefore folks can say whatever they want about the Ranger truck. That allows opportunities for folks to express things that may not necessarily be aligned with Ford's view of the truck, which may work against Ford's plans for the truck.

Look at it from Pelican's own forums - we have guidelines posted here, including the point that discussion of illegal activities are prohibited here. Why? It is in Pelican's best interest not to allow such things.

I suspect that if the site name changes to something like "Ran-ger.com" Ford may leave them alone. If the owner of the website shows that he is adhering to their request, they probably won't go after him for the $5000 they are requesting.

My $0.42,
-Z-man.

Seagullparts.com :)

Ditto here...a '99 XLT bought new...zero problems, recently turned 50K on the odo.

I'd ignore them...


KT

Just rename the site: "The POS Station" and send them a bill for $5,000 for your troubles....

Hell, the rangerstation.com could be where Yogi and Booboo meet up with Mr. Ranger for a 3-way. It's not fordrangerstation. Ford can own the word Ranger, but only if it refers to autos.

I'd merely change the name, inform all members...probably the easiest out. I didn't know the site existed...thanks for that.