Magicboy2........
The only prohibition against using a Viper logo would be if it were purportedly associated with the VCA.
The shirts I alluded to do not refer to the VCA anywhere.
Don
I don’t think that’s the situation. The only prohibition against using a Viper logo is if it's used incorrectly by the VCA OR used by ANYONE who does not prior permission from DC to use it.
DC has the Trade Name/Trademarks for “Viper” logo and lettering and that DC will allow ONLY certain entities/people to leagally use them. 1) Vendors that have paid a fee for the use and 2) the VCA, provided it follows the rules outlined in the by-laws.
http://www.viperclub.org/vca/vcabylaws.doc
Other use is illegal.
In fact, the VCA agreement forms a responsibility for the VCA to report Trademark violations to DC and I don’t think VCA would jeopardize their free arrangement of use by ignoring the rules.
Not being a kill joy, just informing of the terms so people understand their decisions on trademark use
Some parts of the Bylaw agreement:
10. Use Restrictions-DaimlerChrysler Corp. Trade Name/Trademarks
DaimlerChrysler Corp. is rightfully concerned regarding protecting their trademarks.
On November 7, 1998, the VCA entered into a Trademark User Agreement with DaimlerChrysler Corp. to use its registered trademark and Snake Head logo.
The Trademark User Agreement runs to the VCA only. It does not entitle members to use protected marks in advertising or promotion of their businesses or products.
It is important that each Region President and Newsletter Editor discourage the improper use of the Viper marks by unauthorized entities.
The marks owned by DaimlerChrysler Corp. are its property. Those marks have been earned by the company's reputation in the market place, its performance and millions of dollars of promotion.
DaimlerChrysler Corp. has competent legal departments. If violations of the Trademark User Agreement occur involving our members, we should police the situation internally through VCA legal counsel or the National President.
The highlights of the agreement follow:
In the event of the misuse of the approved marks, we will cooperate with DaimlerChrysler Corp. in the defense of such rights but the cost will be entirely DaimlerChrysler Corp.’s. The enforcement of all violations of the agreement will be the responsibility of the legal department of DaimlerChrysler Corp..
4. Newsletter advertisers, other than franchised dealers who are also licensees to use DaimlerChrysler Corp. trademarks, may not use "Viper" or the Snake Head logo in advertising nor adopt the Viper block letters in referring to the automobiles that are serviced or sold.
All problems associated with the use of our Club logo, as well as objections received from DaimlerChrysler Corp., should be referred to the VCA National President or the National Legal Counsel. Do not attempt to deal with DaimlerChrysler Corp. on these subjects directly.
