Date:         Sun, 21 Feb 1999 14:12:15 -0800
Reply-To:     Steve Schwenk <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Schwenk <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject:      Todd Hills Copyright Question
Comments: To: Jwilli941@AOL.COM, "vanagon@vanagon.com" <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Todd,
It is unlikely that vw has a copyright on the name of your enterprise.
They could calim dilution of their trademark based on similarities to
your trade name ("volks"), but it would seem there would be strong
defenses to the claim.  True, there is no english word "volks," but what
about german, folks?  Also, there are english words like volkslied (a
folk song), and volksraad (a legislative assembly of peoples'
representatives)...why not volkswerkes...the people's transmission
shop...with a bent toward german vehicles.  I am sure if a search were
done, there would be many many other trade names and trade marks
incorporating "volks" and having nothing to do with vw.  This would
dilute their claim of dilution.  they do not want to wast resources
pursuing weak claims, nor do they want to incur a public relations
baclklish by doing so, unless they're being poorly advised to pursue a
rabid scorched earth policy...not likely, though.
steve

Todd Hill wrote:

>   Ari@OLTECO.COM writes:
>
> << In an in rem lawsuit, a plaintiff sues property or things rather
> than persons or entities. >>
>
> Thats a relief!  I was afraid that they would go after the parents
> that named their daughters Porsche or Mercedes..........or would
> that also be considered a 'domain' as well??    ;)
>
> Any copyright lawyers out there?  I've got a 'special' rate for you!
>
> I wonder when I'll get a letter as well?
>
> -Todd Hill
>  VolksWerks Transaxles
>  Olympia, WA
>  360-412-0948
>
> PS- For all of you in the legal profession that took the above
> satirical viewpoint way too seriously and are tired of being the
> butt end of jokes-try being a mechanic for awhile and not have
> a dozen people second guess your every move and yell that
> you are attempting to rip them off at any moment.