Dec. 5, 2003 United States
Press Release: USPTO Challenged Files by ASC PPG Wing
From: Aero Sports Connection (ASC)
In recent years the powered paraglider (ppg) community has been hobbled by the requirement to use two descriptors for their vehicles. This has confused and confounded many new entrants to the sport. As a result, instructors have had difficulty explaining and communicating the availability of instruction and the reason it is needed.
Those that have used the "inappropriately" trademarked word have suffered attacks and abuse. None of the existing entities have had the resources and leverage to mount a formal attack on this matter. "It is as though Toyota was trying to stop the use of the word 'car'," said ASC President, Jim Stephenson. "It is time for a final decision on this matter."
Aero Sports Connection (r) has filed a formal challenge to the trademark registration of "Paramotor (tm)", as damaging the powered paragliding community by usurping a term in prior common usage. The filing will proceed to the Board of Appeals for resolution.
Mo Sheldon, Director of the PPG Wing of ASC was instrumental in pulling the needed information and support together from the community. Many individuals donated both data and funds to make this effort a reality. "This is an important step to making it clear that instruction is available for this type of flight," said Sheldon. "We will one day be free from the threat of action based on the flawed trademark registration."
ASC will be tracking the action on this appeal and will report in Aero Connections Magazine (tm) as they become known. ACM (tm) is the communication tool for ASC members.
