SLP Engineering Inc., of Troy, Mich., has trademarked the "Judge" name and plans to use the moniker for a performance version of the new Pontiac GTO, reports Automotive News. General Motors Corp. claims it still owns the rights to the name, which it hasn’t used in three decades. GM sold the GTO Judge from 1969 to 1971. It ceased production of all GTO models in 1974 but is reintroducing the nameplate in December with the launch of the 2004 GTO, which is based on the Australian-built Holden Monaro. SLP, which says GM’s rights to the Judge name have expired, also trademarked the catch-phrase "Here Comes the Judge" for possible advertising purposes. It will offer three GTO performance models tuned at 370 hp, 389 hp and 421 hp. The most powerful version, called the "421 Judge," is the only model to carry the disputed name. By comparison, the stock GTO’s 5.7-liter V-8 generates 350 hp. The SLP versions also will feature a specially designed hood scoop, a performancetuned exhaust and several appearance upgrades. GM has been faulted by fans of the original "Goat" for the new model’s non-retro styling and lack of pizzazz. GM says it encourages the production of aftermarket components for its vehicles and acknowledges that SLP has long supported it in this area. But the automaker has no intentions of sharing technical information related to the GTO with the outfitter and plans to fight for the trademark. Various groups within GM also are said to be considering specialty performance and appearance packages for the new GTO. Founded in 1987, SLP initially produced high-performance aftermarket components that were sold through General Motors Service Parts Operations and other outlets. The company had been building souped-up versions of the Pontiac Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro until GM discontinued the models earlier this year. In addition to the GTO, SLP is working on specialty packages for several other GM and Ford vehicles.
posted
Ouch, that's a tough position for SLP to be in. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Posts: 32 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
From what I remember, but I might be wrong, a registered Trademark is good for 10 years in the U.S, then it can be re-registered in 10 year increments. This is unlike a copyright, which ends some (?) years after the copyright owner's death.
If GM has kept up with the registration requirements, I'm afraid SLP is SOL. If not, then GM can go pee up a rope if someone else has registered the trademark.
The slogan doesn't technically refer to the product itself, as it would in advertising a Judge, so just uttering the words "Here comes the Judge" I don't think can be held against SLP. But if SLP has registered that slogan, then GM might have an issue trying to use it.
Posts: 577 | From: Aiken, SC | Registered: May 2002
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posted
I'm told that the game is over and SLP wins.
-------------------- 2002 Formula Firehawk Last one ever built 11/25/02 M6,black/ebony cloth,Hurst,TCS 1LE,Auburn,mats,deckmat,portfolio,car cover,painted wheels Posts: 115 | From: PA | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
It seems like the copyright expired and SLP picked it up so GM is SOL. I don't understand GM's stance on this. I know they want licensing fees from SLP to use the names but the bad press that is generated probably isn't worth it, especially when it's their own fault they lost the copyright. In addition, SLP is using the name and slogan to sell GM products...so wouldn't fighting them be couter-productive? Can't they all just get along??
---------------- Mark
Posts: 942 | From: Santa Barbara and Ventura, CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
They'd be shipped from the dealer to SLP after the sale,modified and shipped back. Unless GM comes to its senses and allows an RPO via SLP.
-------------------- 2002 Formula Firehawk Last one ever built 11/25/02 M6,black/ebony cloth,Hurst,TCS 1LE,Auburn,mats,deckmat,portfolio,car cover,painted wheels Posts: 115 | From: PA | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
And what happens if G.M. gets pissed off and decides to void warranties on SLP transformed cars,SLP will have to be nice to GM if they don't want to build unsaleable cars !!!!!
-------------------- 94 Z28/UltraZ Hood & Box/2 1/2 Drop/52mmTB & Bypass/160 Stat/Pulley/ Catback & pipe/Shifter/Kirkey seats/5 point belts/WW Wing/Ford9"-4.11- Detroit locker-Strange axles/ZEKE'S Heads & LT4 HC/Stainless Headers & Y/1LE Panhard/BMR SFCs-STB-Relo Brackets-Tunnel Brace-Adj Tq arm-adj Sway bar-Adj LCAs/ Line lock & LT4 PP & clutch/Monster tach & light/T REX F Pump/T shifter grip/DS Loop/A Great Friend MIKE !!24/08/03=12.487@113.486/1.785 60ft. 19/10/03=12.477@113.030 /1.807 60ft. 15/05/04=12.438@112.269/1.767 60ft www.timelord3.com www.stealthperf.com www.timelord3.com Posts: 558 | From: Loretteville,Mars | Registered: Feb 2002
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-------------------- 2002 Formula Firehawk Last one ever built 11/25/02 M6,black/ebony cloth,Hurst,TCS 1LE,Auburn,mats,deckmat,portfolio,car cover,painted wheels Posts: 115 | From: PA | Registered: Aug 2003
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quote:Originally posted by CaminoLS6: You have a point,TL.
But not a good one. Its the same as any aftermarket item-the dealer has to prove that the item caused the warranty problem. The whole law is explained on the SEMA site.
Posts: 1163 | From: Rochester Hills, Mi | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
Shame on GM, and kudos to SLP for getting it. Very smart business move.
I posted the search I ran at the US Patent and Copyright site two weeks ago (see the info below)
GM has a choice, compensate SLP in some form for their permission to use the brand name, or not use it.
I have a feeling Mr Kraut had no idea about the trademark ownership belonging to SLP until the writer from Automotive News contacted him.
I believe since then, GM has realized their blunder.
=====================================
Typed Drawing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Word Mark THE JUDGE Goods and Services IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: automobiles Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 78121405 Filing Date April 12, 2002 Filed ITU FILED AS ITU Published for Opposition October 22, 2002 Owner (APPLICANT) SLP Automotive Group, Inc. CORPORATION DELAWARE 1465 Axtel Road Troy MICHIGAN 48084 Attorney of Record Oliver E. Todd, Jr. Type of Mark TRADEMARK Register PRINCIPAL Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
Typed Drawing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Word Mark HERE COME DA JUDGE Goods and Services IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: automobiles Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 76447234 Filing Date September 6, 2002 Filed ITU FILED AS ITU Published for Opposition May 6, 2003 Owner (APPLICANT) SLP Automotive Group, Inc. CORPORATION DELAWARE 1465 Axtell Road Troy MICHIGAN 48084 Attorney of Record Scott A. Blake Type of Mark TRADEMARK Register PRINCIPAL Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
Typed Drawing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Word Mark BOBCAT Goods and Services IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: Automobiles Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Serial Number 78268782 Filing Date June 30, 2003 Filed ITU FILED AS ITU Owner (APPLICANT) SLP Automotive Group, Inc. CORPORATION DELAWARE 1465 Axtell Road Troy MICHIGAN 48084 Attorney of Record Oliver E. Todd, Jr. Type of Mark TRADEMARK Register PRINCIPAL Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
posted
Look at the case of Ford regarding the name GT40... another company that makes reproduction GT40 parts scooped the name up and now Ford can't use it because they refused to pay the company for the rights.
Good luck GM.
Posts: 1762 | From: Wilmington, DE, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by mhayman: It seems like the copyright expired and SLP picked it up so GM is SOL.
It appears that GM goofed this one. But don't confuse "copyright" with "trademark." Here's the difference, simply stated....
With copyright, it usually is art, or photos, written stuff like books, articles or ideas, etc. The person who "owns" the copyright, does so for life, plus a certain amount of years after their death. PERIOD. No upkeep, registration or anything.
With trademarks, it usually concerns products. Think of it as a 10-year renewable driver's license. It's yours, for 10 years, as long as you keep up with the requirements to have it, you can renew it for as long as you want to. But if you stop, then the trademark is free-game to anyone willing to pick up the requirements. Trademark is transferred to them for the next 10 years. Cool, isn't it?
-------------------- Mike '02 #6906 pewter/M6/leather/hardtop Posts: 577 | From: Aiken, SC | Registered: May 2002
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posted
JeffY !! I went through the harmonic vibration BS with my car for long enough to know that law and application of warranty work aren't always working hand in hand. Look at the BS dealers threw at SLP car owners for warranty work.
-------------------- 94 Z28/UltraZ Hood & Box/2 1/2 Drop/52mmTB & Bypass/160 Stat/Pulley/ Catback & pipe/Shifter/Kirkey seats/5 point belts/WW Wing/Ford9"-4.11- Detroit locker-Strange axles/ZEKE'S Heads & LT4 HC/Stainless Headers & Y/1LE Panhard/BMR SFCs-STB-Relo Brackets-Tunnel Brace-Adj Tq arm-adj Sway bar-Adj LCAs/ Line lock & LT4 PP & clutch/Monster tach & light/T REX F Pump/T shifter grip/DS Loop/A Great Friend MIKE !!24/08/03=12.487@113.486/1.785 60ft. 19/10/03=12.477@113.030 /1.807 60ft. 15/05/04=12.438@112.269/1.767 60ft www.timelord3.com www.stealthperf.com www.timelord3.com Posts: 558 | From: Loretteville,Mars | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
Jeff is right about the law of course,but TL is certainly right about the hassles with dealers. On balance, my experience is that if you do your homework and train the dealer properly,the trouble can be minimized. This situation certainly wouldn't stop me from buying an SLP Judge. I'll take one in black,please.
-------------------- 2002 Formula Firehawk Last one ever built 11/25/02 M6,black/ebony cloth,Hurst,TCS 1LE,Auburn,mats,deckmat,portfolio,car cover,painted wheels Posts: 115 | From: PA | Registered: Aug 2003
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