Not sure how big of a secret it is but the 944 Cup is going to lose rights to the name, logo and domain in the very near future. Despite our non-profit status and the fact that there is ZERO revenue other than an occasional decal the powers that be decided the use of the name 944 was common law copyright infringement. Short of going to court, there is nothing we can do.

That being said, I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would kick around some ideas in this thread about a new name for the series. Nothing using 944 would be allowed and I image that the use of Porsche would be frowned upon also. I'm thinking an acronym that describes the cars we run would be best but I haven't come up with anything even remotely decent. We also have the new Super Cup class for the turbo and the like so a play off that could be used.

Some variations that have been overheard:

FEWC Cup (Front Engine Water Cooled)
Elitist Scum Cup
GFB Cup (German Four Banger)
FEFB Cup (Front Engine Four Banger)
44 Cup (may be too close)

As you can see, none of these roll of the tounge as easily as 944 Cup. Any ideas are much appreciated. TIA

 

That sucks man. 944 cup is a cool name. I'd fight it.... surely someone in the racing circle is a lawyer or has a friend that can help.

 

If Porsche wants to be a bunch of ******, then the best thing you could do is change the name to "spec Miata".

If no one wants used Porsches, then prices come down, and low prices mean snobby car companies don't make enough money to stay in business.

Alternatively, you could change the name to "911 Cup" and everyone get a different older Porsche. I don't see how they would have much of a claim there, unless Porsche wants to shut down the emergency phone number in North America as well.

Scott

 

WTF? "Powers that be" = Porsche?

What's next? Honda suing the Honda Challenge?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by John &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What's next? Honda suing the Honda Challenge? </TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm sure they've already been threatened.

Actually now that i think about it, its just like suing honda-tech. The only thing they can do is threaten you and send you some expensive-looking legal documents, but i dont think they can actually make you stop using the name.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by celica73 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Alternatively, you could change the name to "911 Cup" and everyone get a different older Porsche. I don't see how they would have much of a claim there, unless Porsche wants to shut down the emergency phone number in North America as well.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The difference is that they do not make reference to the car. The name itself it not copyrighted, however it is deemed "common law infringement" when used in conjunction with the cars. Unfortunately, I don't know trademark laws well enough to explain it other than what has appeared in my inbox.

 

Thinking cap is on, but apparently in neutral.

I would be interested in knowing who the "powers-that-be" are. Might give a better hint to which names are verboten. Hope Honda doesn't pull this with Honda-Challenge.

Let's see:
Water Cooler Cup (my favorite. Trophy could be a miniature water cooler)
Stuttgart 4s Cup
N-RAP (Not Really A Porche) Cup
DCCCXLIV Cup
German Coupe Cup - BMWs need not apply

 

"Supposed to be an Audi Cup"



Sucks you guys are losing the rights to the name

Brian

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">other than what has appeared in my inbox.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The delete key is on the right side of the keyboard.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Actually now that i think about it, its just like suing honda-tech. The only thing they can do is threaten you and send you some expensive-looking legal documents, but i dont think they can actually make you stop using the name.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The legal ramifications are as follows (as described by my lawyer step-dad)....

-Case goes to court
-The burden of proof on the plaintiff is to prove that we're either making money off the name or damaging their business through our conduct
-We absolutely do not make money so they have to prove we're hurting their business
-If a bunch of high-priced lawyers can make a judge believe we're costing them money than we're liable for reimbursing them
-Even if they can't prove it, we're stuck with the legal costs and there is no guarantee that we will be able to still use the name

edit: I would LOVE to go legal on this because it's a classic case of the big guys ~cough~ PCA ~cough~ bullying the little guys and it pisses me off. Unfortunately, my dad's name is the one smeared across all the important stuff and he's not willing to get sued over it.

 

This is porsche "protecting" their copyrights... by threatening on the "infringements".

If they dont actively protect them, they lose them... that doesnt mean any or all the cases are actually valid. And if you were for some reason sued and you clearly dont win, i'd sue porsche for the legal fees x3. But i belive there's such a very low possiblity of this that i'd ignore it.

 

IS this a debate that is between you adn Porsche or Porsche adn your lawyers?


I might have a legal mind who would could throw out some advice.
personally their threats are a novelty, they have no claim and seem to be of very bad taste. I would like to know more about the legality of their filings?

 

So this is the PCA threatening you guys?

Write to Porsche and ask if the use of the name in a race series is allowed?

 

"The series formerly known as 944 cup"

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Geezer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Stuttgart 4s Cup</TD></TR></TABLE>

I like the reference to the car's origin. Something along the lines of the Stuttgart Inline Cup or something. But there may lie a problem. 944s were produced at the main Porsche facility in Zuffenhausen (suburb of Stuttgart), and the 924s were produced at a VW / Audi plant (Neckarsulm or Inglostadt).

 

What is the chassis code for a 944? It's not an "official" name and appears nowhere on the exterior....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Geezer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">DCCCXLIV Cup</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wouldn't it be CMXLIV Cup?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by urbanlegend21 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So this is the PCA threatening you guys?

Write to Porsche and ask if the use of the name in a race series is allowed?</TD></TR></TABLE>

PCA is closely affiliated with Porsche.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by maxQ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What is the chassis code for a 944? It's not an "official" name and appears nowhere on the exterior.... </TD></TR></TABLE>

WPO AAO = USA chassis
AAO (the part that denotes USA) may not be a bad idea.

 

'FR' Porsche Cup? (front engine, rear drive?)

not one of those silly RR Porsche cars..

 

How'bout the new PCA - "Porch Cup of America"

You coulnd have a rocking chair as a trophy...

 

How about...
"Overweight and underpowered but its a Porsche so shut your damned mouth" Cup.

or

"POBBH Cup"
"Porsches often Beaten By Hondas Cup"


Seriously, you MUST come up with something easily recognizable. The chassis code stuff doesn't work unless youre already a 944 guy, which alienates alot of people who might otherwise have been interested.

If you're adding a Super Cup (isn't that already copyrighted too?), work off of that.
I dont have anything though. Kinda hard to decribe a series that races 944s without using 944 or Porsche in the name. I say screw 'em and buy a Honda or Miata.

 

PIP Cup (Pretty in Pink)


Matt (who like's 80's movies)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"Overweight and underpowered but its a Porsche so shut your damned mouth" Cup.

"Porsches often Beaten By Hondas Cup"</TD></TR></TABLE>

Leave it to Scott...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Seriously, you MUST come up with something easily recognizable.... Kinda hard to decribe a series that races 944s without using 944 or Porsche in the name.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Exactly my thoughts. Current plans are to change all 944 Cup material on the website to just Cup but I think that's fairly retarded.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by speedracer33 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">PIP Cup (Pretty in Pink)
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Now where's that picture....

I still say ignore it. Empty threats...