Legals issues for MCO, businesses with MINI in their names,
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
>>>>MightyMiniz posts about trademarks
>>
>>The interesting thing about these filings is that the filing dates are after MCO launched. I'm not fully versed in the trademark paperwork process but these dates and the dates for "Filed for opposition" indicate filings well after MCO, MINI2, businesses with MINI in the name, and clubs had already popped up.
>>
>>Mark
:smile:
_________________
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose
>>
>>The interesting thing about these filings is that the filing dates are after MCO launched. I'm not fully versed in the trademark paperwork process but these dates and the dates for "Filed for opposition" indicate filings well after MCO, MINI2, businesses with MINI in the name, and clubs had already popped up.
>>
>>Mark
:smile:
_________________
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose
Banned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, Ca
>>Anybody out there stupid enough to actually rip off their badge yet?
>>I didn't think so.
>>Let's cut the dramatics and get realistic here. The only thing that'll help Mark and this site is coming up with a suitable new name.
>>After all, we fell in love with the car...not the car company.
Well, if you kept up with current events, the de-badging is the 9th...
Mark HAS ALREADY come up with a reasonable name, BUT BMWNA disapproved.
http://www.miniapex.com Click that.
Works for me...
BMWNA is pushing the limits a little hard in this case...
There is more to this than JUST a name change, it seems to be a tactic to absorb. They are dictating now what can or cannot be used.
Miniapex could well mean - SMALL Apex.
It's one of these situations where they are trying to stomp out the little man, absorb the url and utilize it's popularity for thier own gain.
It's true, they should NEVER have given Mark or this site SUPPORT on MiniUSA.com. They NEVER Should have posted a word, registered or acknowledge the existance of. They SHOULD have notified Mark the very INSTANT they noticed the existance of https://www.northamericanmotoring.com
They NEVER should have allowed Mark to earn an income off this URL.
They SHOULD Have never let this go this far.
They SHOULD Have enforced their Branding from DAY ONE, not Day 500
But.... THEY DID and people will lose a lot. BMWNA will be left with a scar. It is BAD Protocol for a NEW BRAND to EARN a huge PR Scar like this within their first 2 YEARS in the US Market.
Their marketing will be looked upon differantly
IF and WHEN this hits mainstream media, which it will, MINI Brand will be peddling HARD to silence this. No matter what Public statements they make... it will always be viewed as THEM shunning the Enthusiast/Grassroots/Target Market.
When dealing with nearly if not more than 9000 SATISFIED OWNERS.... there will be Media connections within, major media. Look at MiniClo, she is about to be INTERVIEWED about this... In a Major Buyer's MARKET.... and She is one of the most enthusiastic and satisfied owners I know. and this has barely begun... there are Several Days left before Aug 12.
Within these next few days, major media outlets have been notified... and it will continue , it is known in other Enthusiast circuits, and the whole enthusiast community will let it be known through other markets.
This can instigate other Brands to enforce the same way BMWNA is doing, jeapordizing other sites.
There is not better late than never in cases such as this.
>>I didn't think so.
>>Let's cut the dramatics and get realistic here. The only thing that'll help Mark and this site is coming up with a suitable new name.
>>After all, we fell in love with the car...not the car company.
Well, if you kept up with current events, the de-badging is the 9th...
Mark HAS ALREADY come up with a reasonable name, BUT BMWNA disapproved.
http://www.miniapex.com Click that.
Works for me...
BMWNA is pushing the limits a little hard in this case...
There is more to this than JUST a name change, it seems to be a tactic to absorb. They are dictating now what can or cannot be used.
Miniapex could well mean - SMALL Apex.
It's one of these situations where they are trying to stomp out the little man, absorb the url and utilize it's popularity for thier own gain.
It's true, they should NEVER have given Mark or this site SUPPORT on MiniUSA.com. They NEVER Should have posted a word, registered or acknowledge the existance of. They SHOULD have notified Mark the very INSTANT they noticed the existance of https://www.northamericanmotoring.com
They NEVER should have allowed Mark to earn an income off this URL.
They SHOULD Have never let this go this far.
They SHOULD Have enforced their Branding from DAY ONE, not Day 500
But.... THEY DID and people will lose a lot. BMWNA will be left with a scar. It is BAD Protocol for a NEW BRAND to EARN a huge PR Scar like this within their first 2 YEARS in the US Market.
Their marketing will be looked upon differantly
IF and WHEN this hits mainstream media, which it will, MINI Brand will be peddling HARD to silence this. No matter what Public statements they make... it will always be viewed as THEM shunning the Enthusiast/Grassroots/Target Market.
When dealing with nearly if not more than 9000 SATISFIED OWNERS.... there will be Media connections within, major media. Look at MiniClo, she is about to be INTERVIEWED about this... In a Major Buyer's MARKET.... and She is one of the most enthusiastic and satisfied owners I know. and this has barely begun... there are Several Days left before Aug 12.
Within these next few days, major media outlets have been notified... and it will continue , it is known in other Enthusiast circuits, and the whole enthusiast community will let it be known through other markets.
This can instigate other Brands to enforce the same way BMWNA is doing, jeapordizing other sites.
There is not better late than never in cases such as this.
Thread Starter
|
North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,070
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Everyone,
When signing the petition please do not use profanity as it undermines the ability of the petition to be taken as seriouslessly as it is intended. I understand that everyone is very angry about this situation but please take the time to write a comment that can be taken in its true context and not as a rant. Thanks for everyone's continued support!
Mark
When signing the petition please do not use profanity as it undermines the ability of the petition to be taken as seriouslessly as it is intended. I understand that everyone is very angry about this situation but please take the time to write a comment that can be taken in its true context and not as a rant. Thanks for everyone's continued support!
Mark
Coordinator :: South East - Florida
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
>>>on motoringmadness.org
Gratz on nailing that one Mark, when did you get it and I wonder who got .com and .net?
I was thinking of parking one for ya.
I really hope the others were owned way before this or are owned by a loyal MCO member willing to part with them at cost.
Gratz on nailing that one Mark, when did you get it and I wonder who got .com and .net?
I was thinking of parking one for ya.
I really hope the others were owned way before this or are owned by a loyal MCO member willing to part with them at cost.
Coordinator :: South East - Florida
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Well my $.02, Please do not throw my new Mini in the harbor when it gets here!!!
Besides, it's an AMERICAN part of the company that is being pissy.
As for the badges, "We don't need no stinkin badges!"
Nonetheless I'll keep mine, thank you kindly.
Besides, it's an AMERICAN part of the company that is being pissy.
As for the badges, "We don't need no stinkin badges!"
Nonetheless I'll keep mine, thank you kindly.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Check out Hafid's Boot It's a PRIME example of a Beautiful BadgeFree Mini...
Why is this concept so hard for you to grasp ahold of? Debadging is common, and why knock people for their desires to de-badge... whether it is in protest or for an overall look...
I think your Pipe needs sweeping....
Why is this concept so hard for you to grasp ahold of? Debadging is common, and why knock people for their desires to de-badge... whether it is in protest or for an overall look...
I think your Pipe needs sweeping....
Silly BMW lawyers!
I guess you didn't follow the rear fog light issue?
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
>>I must congratulate you folks on your constructiveness and civility. Whats in a name? Choose a new one. This is no big problem, but this isn’t really about a name. This is about integrity, honesty and principles. So….what is the matter with you people? This is a street fight with a big mean bully. Conversation won’t change the outcome. You are going to get your butt whipped bad. Get angry. Get aggressive. Get even. Wade in, bite, kick, gouge, spit … inflict all the damage you can. Get those signs in your windows. Knock a hole in their sales numbers. Fill their lots with unsold cars.
>>
>>WISH I HAD A HONDA
>>
>>WISH I HAD A KIA
>>
>>PROBLEMS TOO NUMEROUS FOR THIS LITTLE SIGN
>>
>>MINI WILL HAVE A FIX SOMEDAY
>>
>>TOWING IS FREE * THAT’S ONE GOOD THING
>>
See above post. Window signs in automobiles are a proven and effective means of bring automotive manufacturers to their knees. Their shiny new advertisement driving the streets with an unhappy owner, “Wish I had a Honda”, is a real show stopper for potential buyers, and a bad nightmare for the manufacturer. The impact to a newly launched marquee is potentially devastating to sales. When you were considering the purchase of your MINI would window posted complaints in current owners cars have made you think twice, or stopped you from purchasing this new marquee. It would certainly have kept many buyers from purchasing their new MINI.
When I purchased my S there were no MINIs on the roads here. I relied on MCO and the associated current owners to provide me with information relative to the quality of the automobile. Without MCO’s input I would not have purchased my S, particularly considering the less than stellar record of British auto manufacturers. Today there are MINIs on the road in most markets, and they are one of MINI’s best advertisements. Consider the reaction of potential buyers when they see you on the road. That “Wish I had a Honda” sign will wipe the smile right off their face, and also off MINUSA/BMW’s face.
You are not going to win the copyright struggle, but you don’t have to roll over either. Strike back with your most effective weapons to express your displeasure with their unreasonable arrogant behavior. Put MINI/BMW in a sales slump. Fill that lot with unsold cars. Sacrifice you new car pride and a little resale value. Get those signs in your windows.
>>
>>WISH I HAD A HONDA
>>
>>WISH I HAD A KIA
>>
>>PROBLEMS TOO NUMEROUS FOR THIS LITTLE SIGN
>>
>>MINI WILL HAVE A FIX SOMEDAY
>>
>>TOWING IS FREE * THAT’S ONE GOOD THING
>>
See above post. Window signs in automobiles are a proven and effective means of bring automotive manufacturers to their knees. Their shiny new advertisement driving the streets with an unhappy owner, “Wish I had a Honda”, is a real show stopper for potential buyers, and a bad nightmare for the manufacturer. The impact to a newly launched marquee is potentially devastating to sales. When you were considering the purchase of your MINI would window posted complaints in current owners cars have made you think twice, or stopped you from purchasing this new marquee. It would certainly have kept many buyers from purchasing their new MINI.
When I purchased my S there were no MINIs on the roads here. I relied on MCO and the associated current owners to provide me with information relative to the quality of the automobile. Without MCO’s input I would not have purchased my S, particularly considering the less than stellar record of British auto manufacturers. Today there are MINIs on the road in most markets, and they are one of MINI’s best advertisements. Consider the reaction of potential buyers when they see you on the road. That “Wish I had a Honda” sign will wipe the smile right off their face, and also off MINUSA/BMW’s face.
You are not going to win the copyright struggle, but you don’t have to roll over either. Strike back with your most effective weapons to express your displeasure with their unreasonable arrogant behavior. Put MINI/BMW in a sales slump. Fill that lot with unsold cars. Sacrifice you new car pride and a little resale value. Get those signs in your windows.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 0
>>
>>
>>OK, a bit of a side note here, but I don't get how people are so enthused about the "victory" re. fog lights. Let me review... US MINI owners protest the non-availability of the fogs and launch a petition; after a while, Jack Pitney makes a big deal about "listening to owner opinion" and ultimately offers to sell us an upgrade for $75 (uninstalled) that would probably cost all of $5 at the point of production. Where's the victory here? It seems that it's just more of the same attitude that's also responsible for jerking around MCO! These folks don't "give" you anything and rather look for every opportunity to put a good spin on their extracting more cash from you. And then we all crow about how wonderful MINIUSA is and how they listen to customers? :evil: Like I said, I don't get it...
Jsun:
The original objective of the "Rear fog" petition was for MINIUSA to make this option available in the US market. Nothing more. MINIUSA had previously refused to offer the rear fog lights in our market for a bunch of BS reasons. A lot of people that signed the petition were willing to pay up front for the lights as long as these were made available to them for after sales install and eventually as factory installed equipment. I believe that objective was met successfully as a) current 2002 and 2003 MINI owners can have them retrofitted for $75 + labor and 2004 owners will be able to order them from the factory for $100.
A lot of people had this mistaken idea that in addition to have the rear fogs made readily available in the US MINI had the obligation to make this option FREE of charge upon request. I don't think that was the idea behind the petition and please refresh my memory if it was part of the "deal".
By the way, where is Jim Livingood when you need him the most??
I guess you didn't follow the rear fog light issue?
>>OK, a bit of a side note here, but I don't get how people are so enthused about the "victory" re. fog lights. Let me review... US MINI owners protest the non-availability of the fogs and launch a petition; after a while, Jack Pitney makes a big deal about "listening to owner opinion" and ultimately offers to sell us an upgrade for $75 (uninstalled) that would probably cost all of $5 at the point of production. Where's the victory here? It seems that it's just more of the same attitude that's also responsible for jerking around MCO! These folks don't "give" you anything and rather look for every opportunity to put a good spin on their extracting more cash from you. And then we all crow about how wonderful MINIUSA is and how they listen to customers? :evil: Like I said, I don't get it...
Jsun:
The original objective of the "Rear fog" petition was for MINIUSA to make this option available in the US market. Nothing more. MINIUSA had previously refused to offer the rear fog lights in our market for a bunch of BS reasons. A lot of people that signed the petition were willing to pay up front for the lights as long as these were made available to them for after sales install and eventually as factory installed equipment. I believe that objective was met successfully as a) current 2002 and 2003 MINI owners can have them retrofitted for $75 + labor and 2004 owners will be able to order them from the factory for $100.
A lot of people had this mistaken idea that in addition to have the rear fogs made readily available in the US MINI had the obligation to make this option FREE of charge upon request. I don't think that was the idea behind the petition and please refresh my memory if it was part of the "deal".
By the way, where is Jim Livingood when you need him the most??
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Richlands, NC
#705
I thought it was the position of BMWNA/MINI that the enthusiasm for a vehicle and the comraderie that it promoted was the reason for buying it in the first place.
You advertise with the phrases "Let's Motor" and "Let the SUV backlash begin," but you don't want your owners to have a place to go. You would think a website that promotes the only product you have would be a good thing.
I thought it was the position of BMWNA/MINI that the enthusiasm for a vehicle and the comraderie that it promoted was the reason for buying it in the first place.
You advertise with the phrases "Let's Motor" and "Let the SUV backlash begin," but you don't want your owners to have a place to go. You would think a website that promotes the only product you have would be a good thing.
