Trademark infringement notice...

[karmakoma]

UGH, dont get me started on VW of S.A. and their attitude in general.
This letter is actually quite ridiculous, but I suspect that they just expect you to comply, no negotiating.

Make sure the domain is locked down for transfer, and all measures put in place so that it cannot be transferred away from your control no matter what.
I have seen a threatening legal trademark letter from a bunch of new york lawyers cause the transfer of a clients domain to a new registrar without notice!

A few subtle changes and an alternative domain may not be a bad idea as a backup, but taking it up with VW of S.A. as suggested and social media pressure would be the first port of call imho.

[AirPower]

The b@st@rds!!

They should be more concerned about their dealerships killing off all brand loyalty instead of getting their panties in a bunch about a V and a W that they didn't give permission to be used.

I've got firsthand knowledge of what is happening when you take your VW or Audi in for a service and it's a miracle you get the correct car back, never mind that the correct parts were actually fixed.

If they were clever they would take some advertising space and USE the opportunity to expand their brand's exposure instead of just proving they are a bunch of @SSHOLES that don't care about their customers. I mean, where do people first start their VW experience? With a Beetle of course! I did, and I think this is true for millions of people.

[AKG1600]

I'm just worried about how long they are taking to reply to me...
It definitely came from VW..... If they don't reply to me by their own deadline... then I'll revert the site to what it used to be plus some disclaimers in the footer of each page...

Hi Volks;

I've following this thread with interest and I'm glad to see cooler heads prevailing as this is an emotive issue, all will agree.
I think you have the right approach here Eben.
If I may suggest that you send communication to the relevant office advising of the move, as well as a copy of all communication preceding this to the MD/CEO and HOD Marketing of VWSA.

In it, write the history of ACVWSA, its membership and reach(as there are members here from outside SA).
Note the service the forum offers VW consumers.
Talk about the pedigree of VWs products as witnessed by the sheer numbers of people who still use their (vintage) products, despite the fact that VW no longer offers service for them.
Many of these people still use these vintage VW products as daily transport, and go to great lengths to keep them on the road.
These same people choose to use VWs aircooled products out of choice and not necessity (we can site numerous member posts to affirm this).
Despite being "outdated", many regard the the aircooled VW vehicle as an aspirational item to have. One only need look at many members post of when they joined, and note how alot of them have 'always wanted' a Beetle, Ghia, Westfalia and have gone to great lengths and sacrifice to own one.

These are not things that do not come without a sense of loyalty and admiration for a brand that has earned respect by users and engineers alike. It would be a shame to alienate folks who are otherwise VWs greatest brand ambassadors

I guess the point I'm trying to make is, we should try to get VW to see that ACVWSA are an 'asset' to the VW brand rather than a hinderance. We have plenty of evidence to show that this is the case.
Case in point is this VW ad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCUUcKr ... ata_player
where there are numerous ACVWs used in its making. I'm sure many of these folks are ACVWSA forum members.

My two trillion(ZWD bearer cheques) worth.

[Wentzel]

I'm following this with interest and disgust. Eagerly waiting to see if they will reply within their own deadline. I used to buy new VW's but don't feel like it anymore for some reason

[AKG1600]

I'm just worried about how long they are taking to reply to me...
It definitely came from VW..... If they don't reply to me by their own deadline... then I'll revert the site to what it used to be plus some disclaimers in the footer of each page...

I don't suppose there's been any feedback from these folks eh? What news if any?

[Pine]

What a storm!

[Bugandy]

So now I am puzzled as to the shirt that a friend gave me with a pic of a Bus on with the VW logo on the front - from Meltz and made by Dinamit Jeans - no registered trade mark or pemission to use/lisence as we see on model cars etc. Perhaps I will have that ripped off my back too......

Cape Town-20121220-00408.jpg

[riaanj]

So now I am puzzled as to the shirt that a friend gave me with a pic of a Bus on with the VW logo on the front - from Meltz and made by Dinamit Jeans - no registered trade mark or pemission to use/lisence as we see on model cars etc. Perhaps I will have that ripped off my back too......

Cape Town-20121220-00408.jpg

I have so many shirts like that too, so now I guess I'll be walking around with my boep exposed after a VW lawyer sees me walking down the street...

[eben]

NO reply whatsoever....

[AirPower]

Personally, I think you should rather be dealing with their marketing dept and somehow convince them of the opportunity they are missing. Maybe an internal decision can change their minds.

I still maintain that this forum promotes and assists people to buy an aircooled VW, thereafter surely 80 or 90% will buy another VW when money is available.

So this site is actively marketing the VW brand for them, they should pay you.

We should have a poll to see who started with a beetle and then bought another VW or Audi later on.

[Retrobug]

yup, I agree with AirPower
Loads of opportunity for VW to advertise on this site to peomote the brand!
Hell we're such a cool bunch of guys we'd even come and join them if they invited us to some VW themed get togethers for free and mahala!

[AKG1600]

That's the spirit Volks!

[riaanj]

Personally, I think you should rather be dealing with their marketing dept and somehow convince them of the opportunity they are missing. Maybe an internal decision can change their minds.

I still maintain that this forum promotes and assists people to buy an aircooled VW, thereafter surely 80 or 90% will buy another VW when money is available.
So this site is actively marketing the VW brand for them, they should pay you.

We should have a poll to see who started with a beetle and then bought another VW or Audi later on.

My first car was a Beetle, after that came a City Golf, then it was mixed brands, but a whole bunch of VW's in the mix - a Caddy bakkie, the Porsche Spyder, another City Golf, a Seat Ibiza and the 1303 Beetle, so out of the 10 cars I've had 7 has been VW!
I too think we should have a poll on that.....

[retrovan]

Us here in the Friendly City, Have come up with the best solution to this here issue. (we think)

We going to take all our cars to George and flood the fields with ACVW's, then when it gets in the news vwsa must take us seriously.

After all, "we come here to praise Caesar, not to bury him". ( or something like that)

So polish all your cars, and get them into George, don't forget to register.


Even Tony is bringing the Beetle

Herman

[Tony Z]

no stress... now I suppose I even have to wash it.