VW logo, copyright???? Options

[dmenche914]

I just noticed, the WCC logo has the VW Porsche emblem in it. I know from a while back VW was going bonkers on use of its trademark VW logo, suing or threatening lawsuits unless users (abusers???) paid up. It hit the VW aftermarket industry hard, real horror stories. Companies that even used photos of real VW cars had to delete the logo's from the photos, clubs also were hit, as were websites.

Maybe they have laid off, maybe thay just haven't noticed.

I heard also that Porsche was going after trademark infringement also, but not to the degree that VW has, and we got both logos in the WCC logo!

Anyone hear of this being a problem?

[lapuwali]

I've said this before, but it bears repeating. Don't blame VW or Porsche or Harley, or anyone else who's sent lawyer letters to their own owner's clubs or restoration shops. Blame the lawmakers. US copyright and trademark law FORCES the holders of the trademarks to issue such defenses, or they lose the right to the trademark. Each and every single use of a trademark has to be official or licensed. If someone else uses a trademark w/o permission, and the holder of the trademark ignores it, the holder can lose control of the trademark.

It all sounds very silly, and it is, but it's not the fault of the companies or their lawyers. If they want to retain any control at all over their trademarks, they have to do this kind of thing. The law isn't going to change anytime soon, as it's guaranteed employment for lawyers.