As I understand it, the owners of the trademarks 'xerox' and 'band-aid'
(among others) lost certain rights associated with the trademarks in part
because they didn't aggressively defend those rights against casual use in
publications, etc. That is to say, it became common to say you would 'xerox'
something as opposed to copying it, and you would put a 'band-aid' on a cut
instead of using an adhesive bandage. They didn't move aggressively to stop
that 'erosion' of uniqueness so they lost the right to claim it anymore. I'm
sure that's an oversimplification, but I believe that's the gist of it.
Given things like that, I can see why Volkswagen would take an aggressive
stance regarding their entire name, particularly in light of some of the
rulings involving internet domain names.
As far as the thing with 'volks' goes, I wonder if it's the use of the word
in association with their product. Having said that, I'm not sure why people
are allowed to trademark common phrases or words, but apparently it is
allowed. Trump got into a legal tangle over his attempt to trademark 'You're
fired', and several different entities got into a mess over the trademark to
'Let's roll' following 9/11. I just don't get that and it pisses me off. Who
the hell are they to commandeer common words and phrases we've all been
using our entire lives? I can see it if it's something unique that they
created but 'you're fired'? What the hell?

Cya,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: <JordanVw@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2005 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: Volkscafe.com is now Van-Caf�.com

> In a message dated 10/15/05 7:48:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA writes:
>
>
>> http://arbiter.wipo.int/domains/decisions/html/2004/d2004-0498.html
>
> what a bunch of fancy lawyer mumbo jumbo poo poo..    its amazing that
> vee-dub (cant spell it out otherwise their lawyers will get me)  has
> people who's
> sole job it is to seek out everyone who "infringes on their copyright"..
>
> this is why i will NEVER buy a new volk...err   vee-dub..
>
> chris