Using "Jeep" as part of name of a group

[CT_LFC]

On FB i am part of a group that was previously called "JeepOn New England" and today it changed its name to "New England Off Road" because apparently Jeep / FCA sent the group owner a cease and desist for using Jeep in the name. What's up with that? Are companies (Jeep in this case) being petty or is there a valid reason for not allowing people to use it?

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[Mikester86]

Petty as hell I would say. But it is theirs, and they can do what they want.

 

[Anonymous]

In this day and age of cancel culture one could conclude the move to be preemptive. If anyone’s name gets attached to what the overlords would considered to be wrong think you’re f’d. Not saying y’all are irresponsible or doing anything at all. Just spitballing.

 

[Warped]

Jeep, Harley-Davidson, Jimmy Buffet, etc. The list goes on about companies or people that send their attorneys after the little guy in the name of protecting their "property" or name. I usually don't agree with the heavy handed tactics sometimes used.

 

[Buckster]

Seems to be a trend lately. Infidel Jeepers has been around for a long time with multiple state groups and were forced to change to Infidel Offroad last year.

 

[Jeepney Johnny]

Even if Jeep is an advocate and fan of a club or company's products, they have to defend the exclusive use of the name, else it may get diluted to the point that it becomes a generic term.

If a business doesn't show interest in protecting its trademarks, it can lose the exclusive use of that trademark, and the trademark loses a specific product meaning, e.g. https://www.consumerreports.org/con...s-that-have-become-victims-of-genericization/

Others, like market competitors, can appropriate the trademark if it becomes generic. I know it's far-fetched, but imagine if jeep became known as a class of vehicle (maybe it is already?), like shooting-brake, or saloon, or coupe. Then Ford could announce "The NEW Ford Bronco, best jeep for the money!"

 

[mark203]

Even if Jeep is an advocate and fan of a club or company's products, they have to defend the exclusive use of the name, else it may get diluted to the point that it becomes a generic term.

If a business doesn't show interest in protecting its trademarks, it can lose the exclusive use of that trademark, and the trademark loses a specific product meaning, e.g. https://www.consumerreports.org/con...s-that-have-become-victims-of-genericization/

Others, like market competitors, can appropriate the trademark if it becomes generic. I know it's far-fetched, but imagine if jeep became known as a class of vehicle (maybe it is already?), like shooting-brake, or saloon, or coupe. Then Ford could announce "The NEW Ford Bronco, best jeep for the money!"

THis ^^^^
FCA really doesn't have a lot of choice because the term "jeep" is close to being generic anyway.
That doesn't mean they couldn't, or shouldn't, explain what is going in in the letter(s) they send. "Sorry, but we have to ask you to stop using our trademark because..." rather than a threatening letter more geared toward deliberate infringement. But then, it is easier for the attorney's to just start with the same letter for everyone. Not good customer relations (because it creates threads like this) but the path of least resistance inside corporate legal.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

Argh!

 

[grimmjeeper]

It's more common for companies to go after any group making money off the trademark name than just going after everyone who uses the name.

A non profit Jeep club may have better luck using the Jeep name than a company selling parts for Jeeps.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I think a great name for a club would be jeepers creepers. Then the Stellanitis lawyers can go get themselves in a tizzy trying to figure out if they can make the club change that.

For that matter, what if a non-profit little Jeep club told big Stellantis to stick it or didn't even reply?
Can you imagine the public backlash over big biz going to court over a fan based little club? The Bronco sales would skyrocket

 

[TheBirdie72]

@Jeepney Johnny and @grimmjeeper - your usernames contain the word “Jeep” in them. Please cease and desist. You may now change to “Off-road Johnny” and “grimmOff-road” if you prefer. Thank you.

 

[CDRMidnight]

@Jeepney Johnny and @grimmjeeper - your usernames contain the word “Jeep” in them. Please cease and desist. You may now change to “Off-road Johnny” and “grimmOff-road” if you prefer. Thank you.

And on a side note, please don't hesitate to give @TheBirdie72 ... the birdie.

(Sorry, too easy... *laugh*)

Cheers,
-CM-

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