[DiscoverMB]

BMW has filed suit against FPI MBE for trademark infringement.

The documents show that BMW of North America, LLC sent a cease and desist lettter, requesting the park to stop using the MINI marks on its roller coaster, Round About, but the park continued to make commercial use of the BMW logo and did not provide any goods or services to BMW in return.

Park officials have issue the following statement to Discover Myrtle Beach:

“When Freestyle Music Park purchased Hard Rock Park in February 2009, we inherited all rides and licensing agreements, or lack thereof, at that time. It was brought to our attention that BMW attempted to assert rights in the Round About with the prior owners, so we decided to contact BMW ourselves. In late spring 2009, Freestyle Music Park initiated contact with BMW requesting a licensing agreement for our Round About ride. Our communications throughout the first season included ride design and usage in the park. As of our last communication with the BMW representative in November 2009, we had not signed an agreement to use BMW's trademarks and discussed our new investors coming on board in early 2010. We suggested signing the agreement to use BMW's trademarks once the new investors came on board. We understand that BMW is protecting its rights with the new Freestyle Music Park investors. We plan to rectify this misunderstanding and look forward to working with BMW in years to come.”

[ohioboy]

Wow a bad day for the park!

[Troika]

Wow, what a bunch of nonsense. Come on BMW, layoff the damn park. Don't you have enough money and prestige to be worrying about a supposed-little amusement park in Myrtle Beach, SC?

[ohioboy]

I totally understand BMW's concerns. If something ever went wrong on that ride it might mention the cars have a BMW theme or look and they wouldn't want to take that chance unless they are getting paid for it (or at least advertised).

[Roomfr2]

Humm that's very interesting is BMW going to sue Kings Dominion, Kings Island & Canada's Wonderland also .. See this link about the "Backlot Stunt Coaster" The word "Mini" is used to describe the cars used. http://en.wikipedia...._(Kings_Island)