Yenko brand reborn?
 

Yenko brand reborn?

Is this for real? How's this going to impact the Clary Yenko project?

-Jon

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Unless they purchased the Yenko name rights from the surviving Yenko family all GMCI owns is a right to use a trademark that has never been challenged by the rightful owners of the Yenko name that being the Yenko family.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

He states that he has purchased the name and brand...

This will not only affect the Yenko project, but this site as well...

Sounds like the beginning of a legal fiasco

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

A search of the US Patent & Trademark Office does not show that the Yenko family owns the name or ever registered the name as a trademark. It looks like Classic Camaros Inc., same address as Classic Industries actually owns the name and has assigned it to General Marketing Capital, Inc. in 2008. Interesting

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With any trademark, you use it and keep others from using it or you lose it. Hope that's not the case here.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

YIKES!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif THIS COULD GET UGLY https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

The surviving Yenko family members have never filed to obtain a trademark on the Yenko name. That does not mean they have waived their ownership rights to their name. We don't all have to run down and obtain a trademark on our names to prevent others from using it.

However once a trademark is granted it is a tangible property right until someone in this case the surviving Yenko family members go to court and enforce their inherent property rights which will supercede the present trademark rights owned by GMCI.

The Yenko family name is owned by the Yenko family and passed to Don Yenko's heirs upon his death. Until the Yenko heirs lawyer up people will continue to profit off Don Yenko's legacy.

All of which assumes that GMCI or the previous trademark owner hasn't already obtained the rights from the Yenko heirs? But as of September 2009 they had not.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

It should be noted that the sYc net folks who operate this sight have the written permission from the Yenko heirs to use the Yenko name in regard to this site and the registry. I have seen the agreement and as far as I know it is the only time the Yenko family has agreed to allow anyone to use their fathers name. That agreement will supercede any efforts GMCI makes to prevent this site from going forward. Whether or not lawyers are needed to enforce their written permission is another matter. Hopefully that won't be necessary.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

All I can say for now, the sYc is doing business as usual, including putting the finishing touches on YS-1001, the first 2010 Yenko/SC Camaro.

The club's next event will be MCACN in Nov., and we are working with Bob and Vicki to make the sYc display area(s) extra special.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

The club's next event will be MCACN in Nov., and we are working with Bob and Vicki to make the sYc display area(s) extra special.

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And that, my friends, is an undertatement! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

[ QUOTE ]
The club's next event will be MCACN in Nov., and we are working with Bob and Vicki to make the sYc display area(s) extra special.

[/ QUOTE ]


I know this ain't McDonalds but, ................."I'm Lovin It!" https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

WOW!!!!! GMCI has some balls to try and trademark the name after the SYC and the Clarys and members are the ones that put the info out there for everyone for years.
I've noticed that this hobby the past few years has unfortunately acquired a BUNCH of dirty players.
I understand supply and demand but to completely undermind someone and do them like GMCI has done the SYC is just WRONG.
Perhaps a big nasty lawsuit isnt such a bad thing as it would send a message to people that like to play these games that the HONEST hobbyists arent screwing around anymore and are tired or doing all the work for years and getting the shaft in the end.
Whats next GMCI introduces the lauch of their Baldwin Motion brand??? I know Joel wouldnt have a problem taking legal action. Maybe the Clarys and the YENKO heirs should consider the same. Unless theres a hidden agenda somewhere that the SYC isnt aware of. Just my opinion https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

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.....
Whats next GMCI introduces the launch of their Baldwin Motion brand???.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif...

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I am sure you must have seen the new (2005) BaldwinMotion with Joel's blessing.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Yes, I seen the concept for that car. I was being sarcastic about Motion.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

First off I do not think this is legal. Remember the knuckle head from Canada
Second we all can stop this in its tracks. If no one supported them and did NOT even recognize them as being Yenkos then I drought they would last to long . It has to made clear that any car they try to build is NOT a yenko
THIS IS WORNG at so many levels I do not know where to began.
AS for me they are nothing more fakes Someone trying to make a quick buck using
The Yenko name. I have been a judge in many car shows this year, Me if I saw one
I would have NO problem classing them AS FAKES
In the classic car world once a car is branded a fake it kills it.
And lastly I do think the way business has been lately that they will end up losing more money than made

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Come on now it says the guy owned a Yenko at one time so that must make him legit.. lol

I wouldnt be posting all the new items/pictures going into these cars if you dont want the competition stealing idea's. JMO

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

The "Guy" is Jeff Leonard. Jeff is Classic Industries. That huge color Camaro parts catalog is Classic Industries. I think they still have the 68 Yenko.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

I haven't seen a car built by a dead guy, yet worthy of me willing to purchase. They are only real,and original once.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

I also found it interesting wile browsing the Patent & Trademark Office web site (I have a low threshold of entertainment) that GM has a Trademark application pending for the word "COPO". On 11/03/2006 GM filed an application for "Intent To Use" the word "COPO". If you know you want to use a word in the future as a trademark but are not currently using it you file an "Intent To Use" application. You also have to tell the P&TO what you intend to use the trademark for. GM has been given a third extension of time to file a "statement of use". I guess they don't what anybody to know how they plan on using the word COPO or maybe they don't know yet.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

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I haven't seen a car built by a dead guy, yet worthy of me willing to purchase. They are only real,and original once.

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100% correct Sir ! That would include the SYC effort as well as the GMCI car or anybody else who thinks a 2010 car is a Yenko

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

How much would anyone like to bet that in the next few years GM unveils a new COPO CAMARO. That would be my guess if they are filing for a trademark or patent of the word

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

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I haven't seen a car built by a dead guy, yet worthy of me willing to purchase. They are only real,and original once.

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Well said....

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Carroll isn't dead, yet. Do you even think that the new Shelbys have the street credit of the originals?

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

I think the new 725 HP Shelby Supersnakes and several other Mustangs converted at the Shelby factory have plenty of street cred. I own a 65 GT 350, a 67 GT 500, a 69 GT 500 and two Supersnakes. The new ones are every bit as signficant as the old ones and a whole lot faster too.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

A lot of the argument I am hearing in regards to new Yenkos is the fact Don Yenko is dead, thus there cannot be another Yenko, while there can be more Motion cars and Shelbys, as Josen Rosen and Carrol Shelby are alive and kicking, and even though they are not "hands on" involved in their projects, they have endorsed the projects, and most likely were involved in the design as well.

My question is this, if Don's daughter(s), who actually worked at the dealership and were the heirs to Yenko Sportscars, INC, were to become involved in a Yenko project similar to what Joel and Carrol are doing, would it then be a Yenko?

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Some would argue that not if their name changed after marriage. Is the Yenko name still around or has it been "married off"? Any sons? I really don't think the daughters had an open line of communication with Vince Piggins like their father did so that takes a lot of mystique away from the idea of a "Little Susie Yenko Camaro".

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Hum..so if married, daughters cannot continue the family business/traditionlegacy, but sons can? I bet Valerie (Harrell) Vanderwoude and Connie (Gibb) ?, among other daughters of famous people will love to hear that.

Until just recently, when they sold their interest in Yenko Honda, the daughters had been very involved in the business side of things, taking over for Don following his untimely death in 1987.

And though I have yet to meet Terri, I do know that Lynn shares her dad's passion for cars.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

For the people who don't want a new Yenko, it's simple don't buy one. The Yenko family is behind the project that Tom and his group are doing. That is validation enough for me.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

Shelby is still reasonably hands on with his cars. When in town he takes them home and drives them and tells his guys what he wants done when he brings them back. The mods on these new cars are for the most part dreamed up by him. In fact he is the one that mandates the HP levels and he helped think up the new Shelby/Prudomme drag car. Shelby isn't finsihed yet he has instructed his guys to build some mind blowing stuff that is being developed right now.

I don't know how much time he spent turning wrenches back in the day as opposed to brainstorming and marketing? Maybe Colin call shed some light on this? Colin's new Shelby book is out and it's thoroughness is a stunner. Never been another Shelby book like this one.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

And yes I think the surviving Yenko family involvement in a new Yenko is huge because it gives a stamp of approval and sets a standard that no one else on earth can give. When Don's daughter a former employee says my dad would have loved this new car or this is what he would have built how do you top that? In other words if a tribute car is built with the input of the family that is a special, very personal tribute IMHO.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

If you are not interested in such a car, simply do not own one. It was that way in the glory days as well. The numbers of Yenko cars sold was certainly not staggering by today's standard. Nowhere have I seen that it states Don Yenko is involved, it has always been a tribute. I don't think you discount the family's input here. The market will set the number built, and I imagine it will be very low. I would love to have seen some of you tell Donna Mae that she was ONLY a girl..BKH

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

My arguement is simply that GMCI shouldnt be the ones doing it.If the SYC and the Clarys are doing it thats fine because of all the site and that particular family has done to keep the YENKO flame alive. Did Jeff Leonard start a YENKO site and bring owners of vegas,camaros,novas vettes chevelles together and help them to track down the info on their cars? My guess is NO. If this is going to be done it should be done by those who love the car and arent doing it to simply reap profits. I believe the Clarys and the SYC would do it for their passion of YENKO. Sure they will make money but its not their sole intent.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

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A lot of the argument I am hearing in regards to new Yenkos is the fact Don Yenko is dead, thus there cannot be another Yenko, while there can be more Motion cars and Shelbys, as Josen Rosen and Carrol Shelby are alive and kicking, and even though they are not "hands on" involved in their projects, they have endorsed the projects, and most likely were involved in the design as well.

My question is this, if Don's daughter(s), who actually worked at the dealership and were the heirs to Yenko Sportscars, INC, were to become involved in a Yenko project similar to what Joel and Carrol are doing, would it then be a Yenko?

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Why not include the guy that washed the floors or maybe the person that answered the phone there. Don WAS yenko...Period. So to answer your ?.....NO

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

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For the people who don't want a new Yenko, it's simple don't buy one. The Yenko family is behind the project that Tom and his group are doing. That is validation enough for me.

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If there was a real yenko from Don being offered, I would think many would buy them, but that can never happen. If you are " validated " from this endevor By all meands buy the car and enjoy same https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

The only reason I own two Yenko's (aside from Colin finding them for me) is because of this site and the registry of VIN numbers and the wealth of information long time members have about these old cars.

Same for Shelby's without the registry in my opinion they would not have the following they do today so if anyone is going to be involved in a Yenko tribute car it should be the guys that have put in the years to preserve the authenticity and history.

Not to mention the fact they are the only ones to my knowledge who had the respect for Don Yenko to actually ask his surviving Yenko family members for permission to use the Yenko name as opposed to running down and obtaining a trade name and trade mark without the permission of the rightful owners of the Yenko name that being Don's heirs.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

If you don't have a dog in the fight than leave it alone. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

[quote Why not include the guy that washed the floors or maybe the person that answered the phone there. Don WAS yenko...Period. So to answer your ?.....NO

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If only one person can be "Yenko" then no doubt it would be the person who had the vision to open the original Yenko Chevrolet dealership, remaining a figure head until Yenko Chevrolet was sold, was willing to sign on the doted line for 100 1966 Corvairs, sign another agreement with GM to purchase 500 COPO cars in 1969, and in 1973 relocated to a new, state of the art ($$$) facility in nearby McMurray, etc. That person? Frank Yenko, with the support of wife Martha.


Don, their only son, simply followed in his parent's footsteps, adding his vision to the mix, same as his daughters, maybe grandchildren, are wanting to do, same as Bill Thomas, Joel Rosen's family, Nancy and Connie Gibb, Valerie Harrell and others are doing.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

It will be interesting how much different the new yenko stripes look vs what hennesy has done on their camaros (they look same).

I feel if the new 'yenkos' do not involve GM and some form of copo aspect, its not true to form. To me, anyone can make a new yenko, but if you got GM to do something special, its a real step in the right direction of re-inventing images of some of these super cars of the past. I have a friend that has one of those 2002 camaro berger cars, and I like the way GM put their finger print into that effort, and thus should be the example how these new 'yenkos' should follow. GM should still have an idea of what Yenko was all about too, they seemed to get the berger thing.

my 2 cents.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

[ QUOTE ]
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For the people who don't want a new Yenko, it's simple don't buy one. The Yenko family is behind the project that Tom and his group are doing. That is validation enough for me.

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If there was a real yenko from Don being offered, I would think many would buy them, but that can never happen. If you are " validated " from this endevor By all meands buy the car and enjoy same https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

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What muscle car/s do you own now. Have you ever owned a 67, 68,69, 70, or 80 Yenko. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif
This car is a tribute to Don period, and that is what this site and members are all about. The SYC people behind this project have the passion, desire and knowledge to produce a fantastic car. To condemn this project is way out of line.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

[ QUOTE ]
It will be interesting how much different the new yenko stripes look vs what hennesy has done on their camaros (they look same).

I feel if the new 'yenkos' do not involve GM and some form of copo aspect, its not true to form. To me, anyone can make a new yenko, but if you got GM to do something special, its a real step in the right direction of re-inventing images of some of these super cars of the past. I have a friend that has one of those 2002 camaro berger cars, and I like the way GM put their finger print into that effort, and thus should be the example how these new 'yenkos' should follow. GM should still have an idea of what Yenko was all about too, they seemed to get the berger thing.

my 2 cents.

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If you actually take the time to compare stripe packages, I think you will see they are different.

What did GM do to make the Berger 2002 cars special? I thought an outside source modified them.

Re: Yenko brand reborn?
 

It is very interesting that the ONLY people who have contacted us regarding building them a 2010 Camaro in the Spirit of that which Don Yenko built, in the '60,'70 & '80s are Enthusiasts who own Vintage Yenko cars they would like to commemorate and drive or race on a regular basis.