Ford Motor Co. to take legal action against Ferrari over naming rights

As could have been predicted, the Ford Motor Company has not been pleased with Ferrari's use of the 'F150' monicker for its 2011 F1 car. This due to the 'F-150' being Fords best selling pick-up truck in the North American market. And after contacting Ferrari without a response from the Italian team, Ford is willing to defend it's trademarked name.

A recent press release by Ford says:
"F-150® is an established and important Ford trademark and the name of the best-seller in Ford's F-Series, America's best-selling trucks for 34 years and best-selling vehicles for 29 years. Through extensive sales and advertising and exclusive use, Ford has earned invaluable goodwill in the F-150® trademark. That hard-won goodwill is seriously threatened by Ferrari's adoption of "F150."

When Ferrari announced the name of its race car as "F150," Ford asked Ferrari to change the name. Ferrari did not respond in a timely manner, leaving Ford no choice but to take legal action to protect its important brand and trademark rights."

And not only do Ford want to prohibit the use of the famous pick-up truck name, but is demanding $100,000 in damages under the American Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act.