Legal Question in Business Law in California

Re: Salesman wants to advertise

I do not see that the other dealer has legal standing to sue, as he does not own the trademark, Ford does. I do not imagine that Ford would object as it does generate sales. I would also imagine that your dealer�s franchise agreement with Ford allows you to use their trademark in advertising. Your web site is no different than your dealership using the Ford logo in a newspaper ad. If you want to be sure you should either have someone review your franchise agreement with Ford or call up Ford and make sure it is OK with them.

Re: Salesman wants to advertise Ford Cars on website.

Your situation is a bit complicated, and your query is too lite on details for me to be very helpful.

Are you proposing a personal web site that would advertise your employer's inventory, or do you plan to sell your own cars independently?

Who is the other dealer? Are they owned by Ford or are they independent? I question whether anyone but Ford itself would have the right to sue over infringement of Ford's logo, but if Ford finds out about it (and it sounds like the rival dealer will bring it to Ford's attention) and agrees that your actions are an infringement, you can bet that the company will take action against you.

Your employer may also have an agreement in place with Ford that would prevent it from cooperating in the type of venture you describe, and your employment contract, if any, may contain restrictions as well.

As I said, more detail is needed here.