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GM sues Ohio company for rare 'Vette replicas

Detroit News -- he 1963 Corvette Grand Sport roadster is the rarest and arguably most important Corvette model ever made. Only five were built, and they sell for millions at auction.
But an Ohio company is being sued by General Motors for churning out replica versions that sell for less than $90,000.
The lawsuit was filed this month in U.S. District Court against Mongoose Motorsports LLC of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, which specializes in building replica 1984-88 GTP models and the legendary Grand Sport.

GM is suing for trademark infringement, claiming the iconic brand has been irreparably harmed by the ersatz sports cars, which the automaker says copy the Corvette's design -- curve for curve.
GM wants a judge to bar the company from making and selling models using the Corvette design.

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Submitted Mar 22, 2010 By: fordmexico

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POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,148 Points:828,370 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 6:59:48 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse i guess that means the new operators of the bankrupt GM got the rights to all their patents and copyrights; the look and feel of Vettes & Cosworth Vega
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,272 Points:1,143,275 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 6:35:53 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse I doubt that there's been "irreparable harm" done to GM - it's going to cost them more to sue than just let the folks be. Let's face it.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,272 Points:1,143,275 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 6:32:23 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse and anyone who thinks they are buying an original 1963 model at the tune of 90k needs to be relieved of a lot more money as they have fewer brain cells than these cars have horses under the hood.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,272 Points:1,143,275 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 6:31:15 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse traindude: I totally agree. That was basically my first thought. How many kit cars have made it onto the road?
jedintheshed Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:1,587 Points:477,640 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 11:54:31 AM Ignore jedintheshed Report Abuse I agree with traindude.
fordmexico Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,551 Points:307,100 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 10:01:52 AM Ignore fordmexico Report Abuse bumpygas posted, "Sounds like something Government Motors would do." IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING ANY GOOD BUSINESS WOULD DO! PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY!
rbrowdersr Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,197 Points:1,407,455 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 9:15:29 AM Ignore rbrowdersr Report Abuse Who can do anything without being sued?
chemist74 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:12,382 Points:2,178,090 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 8:56:58 AM Ignore chemist74 Report Abuse Obviously, any relevant patents from 1963 have expired so patents are not an issue. Use of the GM and Corvette name or emblem without permission is trademark infringement. Trademarks usually don't expire unless abandoned or become generic so this might be GM's strongest case. Claiming copyright infringement on the shape of a 40+ year old car design is a streach but they might get a court to buy it.
traindude Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:5,615 Points:1,245,500 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 8:04:35 AM Ignore traindude Report Abuse kit cars and replicas have been available for years, get over it. if you thought you were buying a million dollar car for 90k, you're an idiot
JimL1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:5,749 Points:808,525 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:57:14 AM Ignore JimL1 Report Abuse There has to be a limit upon trademark protection. This is ridiculous.
MUSTANGSRUS Champion Author Ontario Posts:7,384 Points:1,508,845 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:48:26 AM Ignore MUSTANGSRUS Report Abuse Big oops.
CLM06 Champion Author Tampa Posts:6,841 Points:1,496,065 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:46:17 AM Ignore CLM06 Report Abuse The only ones that will come out of this will be lawyers
wwcj Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,582 Points:383,715 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:42:38 AM Ignore wwcj Report Abuse What else would you expect from a company ran by the government!
9C1 Champion Author Chicago Posts:20,408 Points:3,789,885 Joined:Jul 2001	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:39:55 AM Ignore 9C1 Report Abuse Actually, anyone can build replica parts, if they get a license from GM. Those of us involved in the old car hobby know this and so should the folks in Ohio.
PurduePete86 Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,078 Points:892,610 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:37:19 AM Ignore PurduePete86 Report Abuse When do trademarks expire? GM has not used the shape of the old stingray since 1967. I agree with the earlier comment, if you looked at the build quality of the 63 vs the replica....the replica is much better in materials and probably workmanship. not sure what GM is trying to do here. Agreed that the Grand sport name is still licensed or owned by GM but that's all. Does this mean that no one can build replica parts to service original vettes too? How far will GM go? Bad move by Government Motors.
FieroGT Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:11,984 Points:2,098,690 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:36:37 AM Ignore FieroGT Report Abuse Not sure what this has to do with pump price of gasoline.
throttle Champion Author Maryland Posts:10,416 Points:2,155,145 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:35:29 AM Ignore throttle Report Abuse A "cheap" $90,000 replica?
Spetsnaz Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,716 Points:592,870 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:35:28 AM Ignore Spetsnaz Report Abuse Oh boy!
bcb_albany Rookie Author Albany Posts:41 Points:224,960 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:35:06 AM Ignore bcb_albany Report Abuse I have a hard time believing that they'll prove irreparable harm to the brand, but a cease-and-desist order is well within the realm of possibility. Can't wait to get my hands on the resulting "Cordette Grand Spirit"...such a bargain at ~$90k!
rvn4me Champion Author Texas Posts:3,269 Points:1,031,790 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:34:44 AM Ignore rvn4me Report Abuse gasandgoAl beat me to it.I was going to say that this is rich. Government motors sewing someone yet we cant sue the gov if we dont like what they are doing to us.
FocusGuy Champion Author Seattle Posts:4,904 Points:967,875 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:33:21 AM Ignore FocusGuy Report Abuse O'bama needs to call John Edwards.
gasandgoAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:4,663 Points:1,123,845 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:31:16 AM Ignore gasandgoAL Report Abuse government motors need more money. how much will the unions get out of this
puljujarvi Champion Author Tampa Posts:5,174 Points:1,064,660 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:30:36 AM Ignore puljujarvi Report Abuse If they win this case they better use the money to pay back the American taxpayer for using our money to get out of their financial fiasco last year.
ziyulu Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:6,113 Points:1,161,700 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:28:24 AM Ignore ziyulu Report Abuse Those replicas probably are made of better quality, so people don't want the "real" ones, that's why GM is losing.
Jamer Champion Author Orange County Posts:6,397 Points:1,178,360 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:26:49 AM Ignore Jamer Report Abuse It's only a replica, big deal.
THEDodgeman Champion Author Denver Posts:5,636 Points:1,481,630 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:22:36 AM Ignore THEDodgeman Report Abuse NOT.........BAD IDEA
Joeski1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:6,786 Points:1,275,910 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:22:16 AM Ignore Joeski1 Report Abuse Im surprised anyone would want theses old cars. but if they do... what's the matter with GM getting a share... they originally designed and built the car.... this sounds almost like "pirating"
turbosaab Champion Author Cleveland Posts:14,947 Points:1,947,065 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:22:05 AM Ignore turbosaab Report Abuse It's a replica. They're not trying to bamboozle anyone. What are the damages?
hwnguy Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,580 Points:1,023,440 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:21:48 AM Ignore hwnguy Report Abuse Who cares?
jppezz Champion Author New Mexico Posts:6,235 Points:1,226,655 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:21:05 AM Ignore jppezz Report Abuse If it's a replica what's the problem?
adhunt Veteran Author Chattanooga Posts:308 Points:616,360 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:20:34 AM Ignore adhunt Report Abuse GM just figuring out a way to spend our money
jimraehl Champion Author Utah Posts:4,760 Points:1,176,510 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:20:15 AM Ignore jimraehl Report Abuse I don't see a problem, if the replicas are labelled as replicas.
Rick01 Champion Author Utah Posts:6,644 Points:1,910,265 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:19:02 AM Ignore Rick01 Report Abuse If sold as replicas, GM will lose again.
Bill100 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:37,379 Points:706,345 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:18:30 AM Ignore Bill100 Report Abuse I thought patents exprired after 20 years. Not sure about trademarks. I really doubt there is going to be any real confusion resulting from this. Anyone who is willing to pay millions for the real thing is going to check it out thoroughly.
REVLAW Champion Author San Antonio Posts:8,032 Points:1,541,240 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:16:47 AM Ignore REVLAW Report Abuse Think about it. Here is the opportunity to plow new ground in "the law". GM's damages may be difficult to prove to a liberal judge and jury.
Bou Champion Author Maine Posts:9,610 Points:2,209,205 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:14:03 AM Ignore Bou Report Abuse Other companies build replicas like the Cobra.
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:3,924 Points:1,529,995 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:13:39 AM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse You can't copy something that is patented and trademarked without permission!!!!
tankneverfull Champion Author Charlotte Posts:6,374 Points:1,301,065 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:13:21 AM Ignore tankneverfull Report Abuse GM should be happy for the positive publicity.
WonderfulMI Champion Author Michigan Posts:9,031 Points:1,321,855 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:10:37 AM Ignore WonderfulMI Report Abuse If you sell a "replica" of anything, you better have permission from the copyright owner. McDonald's does not permit anyone to run a "replica" MacDonald's, nor sell "replica" McSandwiches either. If yoy try thet they will sue you for all your McMoney.
bumpygas Champion Author Nebraska Posts:5,953 Points:1,453,310 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:10:14 AM Ignore bumpygas Report Abuse Sounds like something Government Motors would do.
RogerB Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:15,242 Points:2,164,020 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:08:15 AM Ignore RogerB Report Abuse Would GM do that? !!
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:24,660 Points:1,879,585 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:06:06 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Who cares? This vehicle is a replica and costs way too much anyway. I will drive my current vehicle into the ground before buying anything new or different.
lucky69 Champion Author Austin Posts:2,286 Points:1,063,060 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:05:57 AM Ignore lucky69 Report Abuse Yeah, you can't mess with or alter the corvette, its just not right, especially the 63'
CSharpGuy Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:7,126 Points:1,435,310 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:05:35 AM Ignore CSharpGuy Report Abuse This is what copy rights are for.
toyrunner300 Champion Author Calgary Posts:3,219 Points:1,214,860 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:05:07 AM Ignore toyrunner300 Report Abuse GM is still looking for money, I thought they will make profit this year....now they will.
Eichhornchen Champion Author Detroit Posts:3,772 Points:747,390 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:04:36 AM Ignore Eichhornchen Report Abuse if you're buying it for $90K, then you know it is not an original
salgood Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,143 Points:565,755 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:03:54 AM Ignore salgood Report Abuse I thought the Government (Motors) was supposed to be creating jobs not eliminating them. I guess if Mongoose is not a Government controlled business, it's not a real one.
ftsgt Champion Author Illinois Posts:10,730 Points:2,062,360 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:03:37 AM Ignore ftsgt Report Abuse interesting
olcowboy14 Champion Author Spokane Posts:7,185 Points:1,029,295 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 7:02:50 AM Ignore olcowboy14 Report Abuse Good luck on that one GM. I really don't think that after 40+ years they have much claim to fame.
abuck Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:6,251 Points:1,077,830 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 6:59:38 AM Ignore abuck Report Abuse guess we'll see how it shakes out...there are a lot of replica car makers out there, and it seems that if they don't use the company name or logo, they are usually left alone...