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 |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.