Chrysler (Dodge) suing FL high school over ram logo

[Roland99]

School To Stop Using Dodge-Like Ram's Head Logo
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123781334

And now to another auto recall story, but one that doesnt have anything to do with public safety. Chrysler has ordered the recall of its logo from the notebooks, uniforms, even the gym floor of a suburban Florida high school. The Lake Mary High Rams have been using the Dodge Ram logo for years. And last November, Chrysler took note. The automaker was not pleased. Chryslers lawyers called on the school to cease and desist. They threatened to sue the school district for trademark infringement. And last week, the Seminole County school board agreed to stop using the Dodge Ram logo by summer.

Full audio/transcript at link.


This is my daughter's high school. She was telling me about this the other day. It's going to cost the school over $100,000 to change the logo everywhere it's been used.

The logo *is* an exact copy but I don't know how long the school was using it.

My first thought was why doesn't Chrysler help them defer the cost some (wouldn't expect them to cover the full cost) but, geez...something.

Glad the car before the one I have now was my last Chrysler. Certainly won't get another ever again.




EDIT: Found this, too:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2010/02/seminole-school-dodges-trademark-infringement-bullet.html

Details on how it happened are fuzzy, but a couple of years ago the school snatched the dodge insignia, dropped the decorative shield surrounding said ram and claimed it as Lake Mary High’s own.

And in the comments this:

I graduated from LMHS in 2003. To all the people saying that people at LMHS are cheaters: I guess you went to Brantley? Where’d you get your Patriots logo?

Anyway, the new ram was being used when I went there too so it didn’t happen a couple of years ago. We’re talkin almost 11 years here starting in 1999. However, I do have to agree with Chrysler on this one. It is a direct copy of the Ram logo. I was in the web design classes in 1999 and 2000 and it started being used sparingly then. It didn’t get completely incorporated until about 2002-2003. But it had been used on t-shirts and the like for other things. At least they didn’t use it when they redesigned the football uniforms to the all red version back then. Then they would really have a problem.

But, of course, take that one with a grain of salt.

[mzteris]

1. stupid PR move -

they should capitalize on it instead! Build a relationship with the school - improves their standing, etc.

[Robb]

3. Yes they could

...But by no means are they required to do so.

[Dappleganger]

4. You're right...

they could have used this as an opportunity but instead they've turned off an entire school of teachers, parents and kids against the company. Of course, they'll get to hang onto their exclusive little ram head in the end.

[MineralMan]

2. If the school uses an exact copy of the logo, they're idiots.

Of course that's a trademark infringement. Calling themselves the Rams isn't. Designing a Ram logo of their own isn't. Copying a registered trademark logo is just dumb-assed incompetence.

They lose this one.

[no limit]

5. Unfortunately I have to agree.

[OnyxCollie]

6. Who provided the logo?

Did they take payment for using (stealing) someone else's logo?

They couldn't find a starving graphic artist to draw a ram?

[MineralMan]

9. They could also have had a competition at the school

for a new logo. There are always talented kids at any school. It would have had so much more meaning. There would be a direct connection to the school.

Do a Google image search for Rams Logo. There are dozens of them from schools. All different. All unique in their own ways.

I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy for this school. They're going to have to do now what they should have done before.

[OnyxCollie]

11. I agree.

My friend is a graphic artist who made a panther logo for a high school. The kids loved it, but the nuns thought the teeth made it too scary.

They could have had a competition like you said, or they could have paid someone to make a logo.

What they did was stupid.

[Guilded Lilly]

13. This is a great idea...

that would further involve the kids in the school and establish a very unique symbol.

Chrysler is rather cutting its PR nose to spite its corporate face, and their logo, for me, is not all that great anyway! However, it is a rather idiotic move for the school to blatantly copy.
I think the school can do much better using the talent of their own students, and not tip toe so heavily on the line of Plagaristic creativity.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Maybe Chrysler stole the logo from the high school!

[Enrique]

8. find out how it happened

they changed the logo a few years ago. Who made that decision? Was there a meeting, did anyone question whether they were risking getting sued? Should anyone be fired? etc.

[Roland99]

10. Edited the OP to include more detail. Logo's been in use nearly a decade, apparently.

[Renew Deal]

12. This sort of "stealing" is very common

Especially amongst youth sports teams. You know many Rams, and Cardinals I've seen? I just don't see how it's worth pursuing this. It's probably more beneficial to leave the logos out there.

[DrDan]

14. my son graduated from this school - the RAM has been the mascot for years and years

ridiculous suit