[DeTomaso] npc

[adin at frontier.net]

Hi kids,
I recently sent a communication to "the mother ship" regarding  
harassment of a website . . .and I've heard this same story numerous  
times before:  Ford wants $ because we talk about Fords on our website.

anyway, here is the response from Ford.

Hello and Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention.  Without  
question, Ford enthusiasts are extremely important to us.  Their  
enthusiasm and loyalty are part of our heritage and part of what's  
going to keep us moving forward.

Recently, there was an item posted stating that Ford was requesting  
TheRangerStation.com to turn over its URL to Ford and pay $5,000.   
We'd like the opportunity to share some additional facts that might  
make a difference in how you think about this situation.

In its communications, TheRangerStation.com stated that Ford was  
making them change the name of their site and pay $5,000.   What was  
not mentioned was that TheRangerStation.com was selling counterfeit  
Ford-brand merchandise on the site.  As a company, Ford has a  
responsibility to protect our brand and a responsibility to our  
licensees.  We cannot let something like that pass. (The counterfeit  
goods have been removed from the website since TheRangerStation.com  
got the letter from Ford's attorney.)

Please know that Ford takes no joy in pursuing enthusiast sites.   
Since there are a number of sites out there with Ford vehicles as part  
of their names or URLs, some people have asked if they should be  
concerned.  Ford has been and continues to be willing to license its  
trademarks for use by enthusiast groups and enthusiast websites.   
Requesting a license is done easily by contacting tmgroup at ford.com.    
To request a license to produce or sell branded merchandise bearing  
Ford's trademarks, contact branduse at ford.com.

We hope you will share this information with anyone who is concerned.   
We deeply appreciate our fans? dedication and enthusiasm and want to  
be able to work together with all of our supporters to tell the Ford  
story.

Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company