Ford says they own the pictures you take of your car!!

[Chris B.]

This is unbelievable!! Ford says they own the pictures you take of your car! Read on!!! http://www.bmcforums.com/showpost.ph...8&postcount=42

[TruBluScreamer]

What the crap!! Like that damn family doesnt havent enough money to begin with and as far as im concerned they can stick it you know where because im payin for that damn car and ill be damned if they think they can pull this off

[bleedingfordblu]

f that they can blow.

[Dan]

hahahah

[Jacostang]

Just another lawyer who has his head up his or her ass!! But if Ford really allow this to happen they are losers for sure!! I will call Dave at the mustang Center and see what his take is on this one....

[Ruckus46gt]

here is what fords lawyers had to say
Ford's trademarks and trade dress serve several important purposes. First, seeing the distinctive Ford logo on a product or business is an immediate indication that the product or business is authorized by Ford. Second, a product bearing a Ford trademark is an indication that the product is of high quality and has passed Ford's strict quality control procedures and inspections. Third, placing a Ford trademark on a product indicates that Ford, or an authorized agent, is the source of the product, and that the product is genuine and not counterfeit. When the public purchases a product or service sold under a Ford trademark, the public has every right to expect that the product or service is the "real thing." All of this, in turn, contributes to the value of Ford trademarks as legitimate and important business assets of the company.

At times Ford enthusiasts question why Ford is so adamant about policing its trademarks and preventing unauthorized uses or infringements of them. It is quite common for someone who is using a trademark without permission to say, "I'm giving Ford free advertising, so why does Ford care?" Ford cares because it is important that Ford be able to exercise control over the quality of the product or service bearing Ford's trademarks. If a disreputable business sells an inferior product or service that uses a Ford trademark, the poor quality of that product or service reflects on Ford. A person who is disappointed by that poor product or service will not take the time to determine whether Ford in fact authorized the use of its trademarks.
They will, probably rightly, assume Ford to be the ultimate source of their disappointment and may transfer their loyalty to a competitor.

If a business not affiliated with Ford uses any Ford trademark, whether through the use of photographs, depictions or silhouettes, or any confusingly similar variation thereof, without Ford's express, written consent, then that business is violating Federal and state trademarks laws.
That business is also misleading the public into believing that such business is affiliated with Ford. It is also not sufficient for a business to state that it is not affiliated with Ford but continue to use Ford trademarks without permission. The business is still misappropriating the goodwill and reputation developed by Ford, and attempting to capitalize on or profit from Ford's goodwill and reputation. Even with the best of intentions, unauthorized use of another company's trademark is against the law and misleading to the general public.

Unauthorized and infringing uses of Ford's trademarks come in many disguises. Examples of cases in which Ford has successfully pursued infringers include the following: (1) businesses that use Ford trademarks in their business name such as "John Doe's Ford Repair;" (2) businesses that use Ford trademarks or trade dress in advertisements, including phone book advertisements; (3) businesses that place Ford trademarks or trade dress on products such as shirts, coffee mugs, key fobs, etc.; and (4) businesses that use Ford trademarks in their Internet domain names.

Ford genuinely hopes the public understands the need for Ford to police and enforce the proper use of its trademarks and trade dress. To protect the value of its trademarks, Ford is obligated to object to and pursue unauthorized uses of its trademarks and trade dress, even if the use of the trademark or trade dress does not appear offensive or objectionable. If Ford does not do so, it may be deemed under the trademark laws to have abandoned its trademark rights.

not for nothing i got a good laugh at that. Ford nor any american car manufacuter have high quality standards

[Chris B.]

The BMC was just trying to put together a calendar of members cars of the month! If that's the case then anybody who makes money from photographs of someone elses car is infringing on Ford's trademark, unless you have their written permission... WTF!!!

[Ruckus46gt]

i doubt anyone was actually making money the calanders were probely donations to help fund the site in yearly costs. otherwise things like sales tax et comes into play

[Chris B.]

i doubt anyone was actually making money the calanders were probely donations to help fund the site in yearly costs. otherwise things like sales tax et comes into play

They were going to sell them for $19.88 plus shipping. Don't know for sure what the cost covered.

[gjmack3]

It doesn't matter what it is, if you sell it for profit, that is copyright infringement and very illegal! Everyone of the big three is like that. I know for a fact, that BMW is very, very protective about their trademark. They have no problem suing someone for infringement. For almost twenty bucks, they were going to make a profit off of those calendars. If they were going to donate the profits, then someone needed to contact Ford and explain the situation, and get permission to do so. Plain and simple. Everyone can get all pissed off if they want, but it's the law.