Ford Suing Ferrari over F150 name

[dbk]

Silly as it may sound, trademark law is a curious thing, and Ford is moving to stop use of the F150 name (though note the lack of hyphenation) used by Ferrari for its latest Formula 1 car. The name was chosen by the Italian firm to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the country's unification.

Ford, however, doesn't appear to care about the justification. Instead, it's seeking an injunction against Ferrari to stop use of the name, protecting a mark of tremendous value to the company. Under trademark law--depending where and how the suit is brought--allowing infringement in even innocuous cases might constitute abandonment, voiding future suits against other, more objectionable, uses.
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Neither Ford nor Ferrari have released official statements on the matter. We'll keep you posted as the situation develops. Considering the outcome of the most recent Ford vs Ferrari confrontation, we're expecting the Blue Oval to come out on top.

Can't believe Ferrari really thought they'd let it slide. Ferrari on left, Ford on right.

 

[FENZO]

Couldn't help but to look that one up:
"Considering the outcome of the most recent Ford vs Ferrari confrontation, we're expecting the Blue Oval to come out on top."

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1054896_close-up-images-of-ferrari-458-italia-and-ford-f-150-crash

 

[SteveA]

I always wondered how GM got away with calling Pontiac's muscle car a "GTO".

 

[canuck]

The love affair contunues.
Last time this happened the beloved ford gt 40 was born.
It has been said history repeats itself.
The only logical conclusion is ford is going F1 racing.

 

[Cobrar]

"Considering the outcome of the most recent Ford vs Ferrari confrontation, we're expecting the Blue Oval to come out on top."

So there you have it, the rumor is TRUE. Proof positive that rumors of the GT Hybrid must be founded in fact. Heck, everybody knows the history of Ford vs. Ferrari, you can't possibly declare victory without a race, and for that you need the new GT Hybrid!! :cool

With apologies to GT Drummer, 'winning' in court is so passe by comparison.

 

[RALPHIE]

I always wondered how GM got away with calling Pontiac's muscle car a "GTO".

May not have been Trademarked at the time.

 

[Kingman]

I always wondered how GM got away with calling Pontiac's muscle car a "GTO".

I believe the reference was to a particular 'classification' in racing - Gran Turismo Omologato. Therefore Ferrari also borrowed the name.....like Daytona

 

[SteveA]

Makes sense.

 

[Cobrar]

Game Over - Apparently.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011...r-f1-ferrari-ford_8302448.html?partner=alerts

 

[Gulf GT]

I'm sorry, but Ferrari has a different numerical designation each year's F1 race car, so next year it will be called something else. And, no one is going to confuse a Ford truck with a Ferrari F1 race car. The F150 also does not designate a Ferrari product available for sale to the public. That lawsuit is really quite silly. I guess Honda should have sued Ferrari over the F2000. Ford is lucky Ferrari changed it slightly to save everyone the hassle over this. If Ferrari had been making a truck, Ford would have a case, but they're not.

 

[Sinovac]

I wonder why Ferrari caved. I'm sure those I-tal-i-ans would have received a fair shake from a Detroit jury

 

[BlackICE]

...I'm sure those I-tal-i-ans would have received a fair shake from a Detroit jury

Ask Sergio Marchionne if that influences how he manages Chrysler.

 

[Kingman]

Top Gear BBC addressed this topic on tomights show. Besides their personal opinion, they did say that Ferrari has made the change.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

Good read and a great response from F on "why" they changed the name. It's on their web site.

Something mentioned about who could ever confuse a Ferrari with a pickup truck.

 

[PeakCompletions]

name is a name and I for one agree with Ford on this case... mistaken identity or not...

wish they would have used any settlement money and damages if Ferrari had taken them to the mat to finance the next Ford Supercar :biggrin