At some point, you reach the absurd in trying to
protect your "rights."  Going after someone who made a
handful of enthusiast hats at little or no profit
crosses the line and is not only absurd, I find it
bizzare. I suspect an overzealous young know-nothing
associate attorney at a big firm...out of control but
ringing up the bills!  VWOA would never sue over this
if it was brought to the attention of senior
management, IMO.  It's stupid and counterproductive.
But it is a good way to rack up billable hours.

Wish they would pick on me.  I have no fear in being
sued over something like this.  (course, i can defend
myself easily and cheaply!)
steve

Chris Stann wrote:
>
> The 'free advertising' argument has been argued and lost in many court
> rooms.  While I agree with you, VW has every legal right to do what they are
> doing.  We, or our fore-fathers, gave them that right by passing laws to
> make this possible.
>
> So, no aftermarket VW-logo mudflaps for me.  VWoA, are you going to sell
> 'gin-u-wine' VW mudflaps for my '65 Microbus any time soon?  No?  Cool
> Vintage VW t-shirts? No?  Chrome VW-hubcaps? No?  GET ON IT!
>
> Chris.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Michael Townsend
> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 2:35 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: List Sticker and Hat lawsuit
>
> Wow,
>
> Help my ignorance here:  I realize that VW has one of the most recognized
> and valuable brandnames and trademarks (which they don't change every 4
> years like the Japanese cars) and they must protect it and use it.
> However, one look at their marketing style (have you seen their web site
> lately?) shows that they are trying to sell the VW culture, and not just
> cars.  It seems to me that items like T-shirts, hats, and stickers are FREE
> ADVERTISING, and the excitement of the VW clubs and shows also promote the
> positive, happy VW culture that they want people to buy into.  It seems
> like their IMHO overzealous attention to trademark protection is going to
> do them more harm than good.
>
> So, VW, since you are listening to this list:  We want the TDI in the
> Eurovan, the Passats (including wagons and 4motions), and the Jetta wagons
> to down here in the USA.  If you make the new microbus, offer us the TDI.
> In addition, when the cabrio is replaced by the Beetle cabrio, guess what,
> some people might actually want a TDI in it!  While you are at it, you
> could improve your customer service and give us a real bumper-to-bumper
> warranty.  Oh yeah, you remember those Vanagon head gaskets? . . . . . .
>
> :-)
>
> Michael Townsend
> 90 Carat
>
> >
> > I am preparing to write a substantial (for me) check to VWOA to settle
> > potential copywrite infringement for use of the VW in a circle in hats I
> made
> > for resale. This is to avoid federal prosecution and threatened lawsuit
> from
> > a company acting on behalf of VW. It appears this company monitors this
> and
> > other lists for information in the use of their designs. The most recent
> > issue of Hot VWs and VW Trends discusses this issue in editorials.
> >
> > . . .
> >
> > They are out there and they are listening. Wish they listened to the
> needs of
> > their car owners with the same diligence!
> > Lynn Sheeley
> > 720 Valleydale Rd.
> > Knoxville, Tn 37923
> > Vanagon List Hat source