posted 02-20-2004 07:00 PM                  

I believe this web site and everyone using the site must help protect DailmerChrysler's intellectual property ownership of the Prowler and it's trademarks.

posted 02-20-2004 09:38 PM                  

Trademarks are generally distinctive symbols, pictures, or words that sellers affix to distinguish and identify the origin of their products. Trademark status may also be granted to distinctive and unique packaging, color combinations, building designs, product styles, and overall presentations. It is also possible to receive trademark status for identification that is not on its face distinct or unique but which has developed a secondary meaning over time that identifies it with the product or seller. The owner of a trademark has exclusive right to use it on the product it was intended to identify and often on related products. No other person has the right to use such mark in commerce either in the identical form thereof or in such near resemblance thereto as to be likely, when used on or in connection with the goods of such other person, to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive.

posted 02-20-2004 10:11 PM                  

While yes, the similarity clause is applicable, an important thing to remember about trademarks is that each individual trademark is registered only for a particular class of goods. There's a whole variety of trademark classes that roughly seperate goods and services into categories that a reasonable person would not confuse. For example, if you register a word mark "Mr. Trash" for a line of trashcans, you're only protected for trashcans and other items that fall under that class. If I wanted to make a line of blue jeans and call it "Mr. Trash", it's OK...a consumer probably wouldn't confuse a trashcan and a pair of jeans so there's no trademark violation.

When companies are registering trademarks, it's common practice for them to register multiple trademarks in different classes at the same time. Extending the hypothetical, if when I start making trashcans I think a t-shirt line would be a natural extension, I'd be sure to register "Mr. Trash" for both circular files and clothing.

All that being said, since Chrysler is in the business of manufacturing automobiles, automobile parts, clothing, and also have a lot of money (making the applicatin fee negligable...) I'd expect them to have multiple approved trademarks. I haven't checked it out personally, but I'm sure that they've got the auto parts class covered. You can verify the ownership and classes of trademark's with the USPTO online.

This is also completely distinct from international trademarks. That's a separate registration process. But being a global company, I'm sure Chrysler has those covered as well.

That said, I've got this great idea...

Anyone want to start a line of Prowler shampoo if that class is still available? Forget bounce and health...it gives your hair that "I was just cruising around in a kick-a$* convertible for three days" tangled look that makes the men and women drool...

posted 02-20-2004 10:29 PM                  

(insert "about to rip off Monty Python" disclaimer here)

And now for something completely offtopic...I wonder if I'm one of the only guys here with hair more then 1 ft. long that even has a frame of reference for shampoo or intimiate knowledge of just what even a single weekend with a Prowler can do to your hair

posted 02-20-2004 11:06 PM                  

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Originally posted by mapkram:
Wow, all that for just trying to improve on something to make my cat look better and function better than what was available........ Since DC doesn't make one and I'm assuming has no intentions of ever making one....... and I only made a couple...........................

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posted 02-20-2004 11:10 PM                  

I really don't know what corresponds to personal use and what corresponds to commercial use. I think the two are different, but I really don't know. If not, I'm already in trouble for drawing the crouching logo on my high school trapper keeper

posted 02-20-2004 11:19 PM                  

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especially since DC monitors this site. T

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(add DC w40*ing disclaimer here)

Out of curiousity, does anyone know what DC charges for usage of the logo and/or name or where one needs to apply to use it? Since DC is steadily discontinuing accessories for our kats, I'd *love* if it could be made affordable to have 'matching' aftermarket parts