In a message dated 10/20/05 7:10:04 PM, inua@CHARTER.NET writes:

<< Given the meaning of Volks,  there is a VAST difference between Volkscafe
and Volkswagen. In my mind they are clearly different. No infringement whatso
ever. >>

John,

If Volkscafe were serving up cappuccino and biscotti, I would agree with you.
 But, since they are in the business that they are, there is a tacit link
between their name and Volkswagen.

While VW might be flexing it's corporate muscles a bit in the case of
Volkscafe, I have to agree with whoever said that VW probably would not have bothered
them if they represented a group of enthusiasts like Vanagon.com.  Or,
perhaps, VW would not hassle them if Volkscafe sourced all their merchandise through
VW's parts network.  Volkscafe is a revenue generating endeavor which gets
its goods from everyone except VW and VW has to protect whatever good will their
name engenders.

If VW really wanted to flex its muscles, it would stop the aftermarket
industry from using VW's unique parts numbering system to identify parts which are
not made by VW.

George