Ford Settles Dispute With Local Entrepreneur Over Web Names

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. and a local entrepreneur have reached a settlement over two Internet domain names -- fordfield.com and fordfield.net.

In 1999 and 2000, Michael Ouellette secured the Internet addresses as well as the corporation name Ford Field Inc. for his small T-shirt and grass-seed business in Troy.

Now with the $350 million Detroit Lions stadium named Ford Field set to open Saturday, the auto maker has paid Mr. Ouellette for the Web addresses and corporation name.

Neither side would disclose terms of the deal, which ends a nearly yearlong dispute.

Ford filed a federal lawsuit against Mr. Ouellette last year, accusing him of trademark infringement and cybersquatting -- hoarding of potentially valuable Internet addresses and hoping for a payout.

"It's an acceptable and practical resolution for both parties," Ford spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes told the Detroit News for a Thursday article.

Mr. Ouellette said his business's name was inspired by a Clinton Township public baseball diamond named Ford Field, where he used to play. He said his business was established before the name of the new Lions stadium was revealed in November 1999.

Mr. Ouellette said he "was happy and very satisfied with the settlement. The litigation was getting pretty intense."