Quote:
Originally Posted by Excaliber
Actually I think Shelby and Ford slugged it out in court over the Cobra name. While Ford DOES own the name, I believe the settlement left Shelby with the right to use the name.
What Shelby CANNOT do is stop replica manufacturers from using the shape or body style of the Cobra. He lost that right in court when it passed to public domain. The essential shape/style of a Cobra body, and THATS WHAT IT IS, a COBRA body style is in public domain.
To NOT call it a "Cobra" is akin to labeling "The artist formerly known as Prince". You talk 'legalize' till the cows come home, fact is when someone see's your replica going down the street there thinking "Wow, a Cobra". Often accompanied by a large grin. When you say you have an AC Cobra or a Shelby Cobra people inherently know what your talking about. While Ford and Shelby control the 'trademark' name, they have both completely lost the concept of what is and isn't a Cobra in the real world. As for the shape, not just in concept, but legally as well. THATS the 'end game' and there aint nothing Shelby can do about it!
The replica companies OWE SHELBY NOTHING, what ever good will he might have had, what ever monies he might have agreed to has been squandered by the man himself. He alone is responsible for his fate, for his bitterness, for his tarnished legacy.
Now careful how you read this part:
SPF by agreeing to a license arrangement with Shelby lost a considerable amount of respect from me, simply put, SHAME on them. As a manufacturer, what they did was as unethical as what Shelby has/is doing. Both make a great car, the owners are great people, the corporations have lost their moral compass.
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Ernie, This is not always true. Most of the time people don't know what it is.
Most of the people I tell that I have a Shelby Cobra replica they have a strange look on their face and say "you have a Mustang?"
I believe the Cobra name is joined more to the Mustang than our AC Ace replica's.
The Cobra name has been used on the Mustang since the 70s. Starting with the Mustang II and with the coiled snake emblem non the less.
That is a long time.
I really don't care about all this "definition of a word" or any legal mumbo jumbo. I only know I enjoy my car and I built my car for me and I built it to drive.
Read my odometer.
