Re: alfa-digest V7 #1401

[Pottree@domain.elided]

In a message dated 02/29/2000 11:46:54 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< the case a few years ago in which Sony went
 to court against a woman named Sony who ran a
 restaurant named "Sony's." Even though she was in no
 way competing for any part of the megagiant
 corporation's market, and even though she would appear
 to have every right to use her own name on her own
 business, she lost the case, >>

A similar imbroglio took place here in CA several years ago, having to do 
with Ernest & Julio Gallo, they of the world's largest wine producer, and 
their other brother, he of the Gallo Salami and Cheese empire.  Seems ole E&J 
sued THEIR OWN BROTHER to cease and desist using his OWN NAME as the brand 
name for his lipid-laden treats because it could somehow infringe on their 
wine business.

PS, they won.  But they were already known as very mean and obnoxious people, 
and were voted the worst advertising client repeatedly.  Whether this speaks 
to their business success is another issue.

Having said that, FIAT bought the Alfa brand, it represents an asset to the 
company no matter how we feel about it, and FIAT employees charged with 
protecting the assets would be remiss if they didn't do it.  Their program, 
as usual, seems a bit haphazard, but I guess it's better than absolute 
dereliction.

Charlie
LA, CA, USA

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