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Steve McQueen's family sues Ferrari over trademark

15 Comments
By Chandan Khanna

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I have worked for Ferrari a very long time. This is a NO win suite. It can not be won. The case will be thrown out. Ferrari headquarters in Maranello had a relationship with McQueen. Specifically with Enzo. Once the Ferrari presents it's proof. It will be tossed out like an old banana peel. I do not know what the family is thinking or the executors of his Estate are thinking. Also Ferrari has the option to counter sue in Italy. Making the case virtually impossible to fully win. * an award of all profits gained from the "infringing acts," financial damages and "the destruction of all marketing, advertising, or promotional materials depicting Steve McQueen's name, photograph or likeness."*** **Seriously? This made me laugh so hard my stomach hurts. Outlandish!

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Did they due Disney for the cars movie as well?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Did they use his image in the ads?  Otherwise they could claim named after the fashion designer, Alexander McQueen.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Okay, So here is a little inside knowledge and some facts that I am going to pass along.

You can interpret as you will.

Fact. Enzo Ferrari hand built Steve McQueens Ferrari GTB personally.

This GTB was once owned by Steve McQueen sold for more than $10 million at Monterey Car Week. When McQueen had the car built he was moved up the waiting list for this vehicle as McQueen and Derek Bell along with Enzo's Ferrari' sons all shared a very close knit relationship. Many are not aware that Enzo kept meticulous and scruples notes daily. There was deal stricken between McQueen and Enzo. During this point in time in the Ferrari business. When you had Enzo build you a car there was no contracts. Only a customer and Don Ferrari's handshake. McQueen has said to have allowed Ferrari to use his name as an endorsement for life in one of these notebooks. Also part of this deal McQueen's car can be sent back to the factory for a Ferrari certified rebuild with out having to pay the cost of the refresh process limitless times. Enzo never disclosed his dealings to anyone not even his own son's Alfredo and Piero. You can be guaranteed this notebook currently displayed in the Enzo Ferrari museum located in Modena will be presented in court. Ferrari is a very secretive company. Really fanatical about racing. The company is structured militaristic. Know one really knows what is going on except the inner circle (family). There have been many that have tried to sue Ferrari very unsuccessfully I might ad.

If you need more proof then please read these articles as touches on what is not generally known or has ever been known. I also want to explain I have never got look inside the notebooks but have been to every Ferrari facility in Italy numerous times and numerous locations. This information and case was being discussed the last time I went. By the way Ferrari is producing it's first SUV if you did not know and it is breath taking.

Right. The links.

https://triciaannemitchell.com/2015/04/03/ferrari-museum-modena-italy/

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-2014-pebble-beach-mcqueen-ferrari-sold-20140812-story.html

https://petrolicious.com/articles/derek-bell-on-steve-mcqueen-enzo-ferrari-and-how-he-won-le-mans-5-times

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I have worked for Ferrari a very long time.

Dude, I thought you said worked for Harley Davidson. Do you work for Ferrari as well? You must be busy!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

This is a NO win suite. It can not be won.

It depends on the contract that was signed. I just finished 2 months of contract negotiations with a publisher in the US over rights to make sure just this occurrence doesn't happen without compensating me. They were going to have me sign a permission document taking my copyright for my illustrations, but I negotiated to keep the copyright plus obtain royalties. It doesn't matter who you worked for, unless you have intimate knowledge of the contract McQueen signed with Ferrari, I say wait and see.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Also Ferrari has the option to counter sue in Italy. and what would that achieve!? Ferrari biggest market is the US by far with a third of all its vehicles sold there, if they lose the case and dont pay McQueens family that will hurt it standing in the US market although its unlikely itll come to that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Alfie,

Busy would be putting it light.

I am a GM for the largest car group in Japan based out of Fukuoka that offers and has the following brands.

Rolls Royce,Ferrari, Maserati,Bentley,Porsche,Lotus,Alpha Romeo,Fiat,Abarth,All Japan brands new and used.

Vespa,HD,Moto Guzzi, HKS tuning. Japanese Car Export. We have a team I put together that allows you to come and purchase any vehicle in any price range in a pleasant environment. Our customers wants and needs come first last an always!

My daily activities consist of running our Export division. I handle all English car sales for all foreigners and Diplomats and Military. All brands all locations and all of Japan. I started with company in 2000 after exiting military service. I as well sometimes sub at a University for TOEIC studies.

So yes very busy. But we are all busy? That is the work culture in Japan!

I have worked very hard to get where I am. I had allot of help!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@hooktrunk

It depends on the contract that was signed. 

"unless you have intimate knowledge of the contract McQueen signed with Ferrari,"

Did you not read my post carefully?

There were no contacts sighed between Don Enzo Ferrari and Mr. Steve McQueen. Ferrari during this time period did business over dinner at his house or lunch in his office, where his wife would make dinner or lunch and ride her bicycle to the factory at times. Always with wine and cheese and usually fish. Anyone wanting a bespoke Ferrari during this time did not need to prove status or wealth. During this time period presenting a buying contract would have been considered and insult to Ferrari and the buyer. That is a big no no in super car culture during this period of time in the 1960's. You paid and the car was built and delivered in about year. It was over a handshake or gentleman's agreement.

I do not know what proof they have in Modena. However, Ferrari would settle out of court if they felt they had infringed on the McQueen estate. However I do not have a crystal ball that can show me the future.

As you say. Let's see. You know Ferrari is a very honorable institution. Have you seen Ferrari pitching a hissy fit over itIs losses in F-1 to it's rival Mercedes? No. They just keep going back to drawing board and keep trying to get it right. All well praising Mercedes and Vettle. If your ever visit Italy. Seriously treat yourself go here as it an amazing place. Every time I go which about 6 to 7 times a year for product knowledge and training. It always inspires me and takes my breath away. They are always breaking out more and more of Enzo's personal affects.

https://musei.ferrari.com/en/maranello/ferrari-factory-tour

Mr.McQueen owned a few Ferrari's by the way.

1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta

1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder

1966 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder

4.Steve McQueen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB 4 by Scaglietti and Ferrari bespoke. Only 10 ever produced.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Slickdrifter,

Ok, since posting my comment I read your second post. That's the missing info I was looking for. Interesting. Good luck to them then. Ha. Sounds like McQueen wasn't thinking long term. Oh well.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

For anyone.

Curious about Ferrari and ownership? Not as easy as one thinks.

https://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/want-to-buy-a-ferrari-it-s-not-as-simple-as-just-having-the-money

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ferrari changed the car model name to "The Actor" after the owners of McQueen's IP complained. They didn't change websites and images.

And no, I don't work for Ferrari, Harley Davidson or Tonka.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"After lawyers representing the McQueens complained, Ferrari renamed the model "The Actor"

Good grief.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am a GM for the largest car group in Japan based out of Fukuoka that offers and has the following brands.

Good for you. Did you have anything to do with that massive pile up of Ferraris in Fukuoka a few years back?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Alfie,

I had already arrived at the venue with Enzo in tow the previous day. The Enzo was transported in our Ferrari Truck.

I can not confirm or deny if some of our clients were involved. However, I can confirm what was and is already known about the pile up. The lead driver was an in-experienced driver who was driving on a very hard Pirelli tires in somewhat wet and cold conditions with TRC off. He got sloppy and careless and as I have commented before in previous posts. I do not recommend taking a Super car above the speed limits on the local roads or highway. The Ferrari brand does not need to driven fast to feel exciting. These following cars are meant to be on the track. La Ferrari, Enzo, F-150 Italia.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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