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[JHertzman@domain.elided]

I have read with interest the various comments on R*****o B******i's letter 
to Colin Verrilli about the use of the logo and the brand name A**a R***o 
being stricly forbidden, unless officially authorized by F**t A**o S*A, owner 
of the afforsaid brand name A**a R***o. I understand the point several 
contributors made, that a copyright owner is obliged to protect his copyright 
by not allowing free use to others.

I also understand Colin's statement that "I didn't really appreciate the 
threatening tone". I don't believe there is anything in copyright law which 
madates incivility.

Still, a company gotta do what a company gotta do. In the July 1992 
"Velocissima" Fred Di Matteo published an editorial comment that owners were 
risking expensive engine damage if they waited until 50,000 miles, as 
recommended, before changing their timing belts, and that he, Fred, 
recommended no more than 30,000. Riccardo Brugnoli, then ARDONA's Director of 
Service, took strong exception to Fred's comments in a letter published in 
the September "Velocissima", expressing concern about the impressions 
customers might get that premature timing-belt failure was a risk. The 
discussion went on, a large part of Fred's points being that if ARDONA 
insisted the belts were good for 50,000 miles they should at least pick up 
the tab for engine damage resulting from belt failure between the end of 
warranty coverage and the end of ARDONA's stated belt life. Of course, they 
didn't, and Fred, in the interest of peace and harmony, let the question 
expire, all sides having been aired.

The current incident reinforces my long-standing opinion that there is a 
world of difference between the former Alfa Romeo company, which manufactured 
cars (however flawed) which garnered my affection, and the Fiat company, 
which uses the name of that former company as a brand-name for one of its 
product lines- however excellent it may be. And why I am not among those 
pining for the return of that purchased brand name to this market. I will 
make my Alfa Romeos last as long as I can, and then move on.

John H.
Raleigh, N.C.

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