Modifying and reselling a product

[Timlo]

Hello all,

I am located in Toronto, Canada but the manufacturers are from the states. I do not have any knowledge in these types of matter.

I guess I'll use an example. If I were to start a company that takes used/new toyota cars and modify the engine and steering but basically use the body for an electric engine and steering instead of the orginal manufacturer parts, could I resell it under my own name brand of cars? I guess it's against copyright laws?

And if for my advanced custom engine/drive/steering system could I get a patent for it even though it uses another manufacturer frame? What can the patent protect and cannot protect? for example, if it_s a new way to steer a vehicle, will a patent be able to protect others worldwide from copying the design and selling as their own?

thank you

 

[Some Random Guy]

Others are doing the same thing now.

http://www.roushperformance.com/vehicles.shtml

You can patent any parts that you design yourself. Be sure to patent in Canada and the US at a minimum.

 

[Timlo]

I believe that roush is owned by Ford but yes I do not see Ford in their dealerships here selling "Roush cars"

If it's in that case, will I need to then get permission to use their cars and change the steering system from Ford then? Because If I tell them what I will change, then it might allow them to start designing my version of steering system.

 

[Some Random Guy]

Roush races ford cars, but I do not believe that they are owned by Ford.

See also,
http://www.saleen.com/saleen-parnellijones.htm

So long as you buy the cars, you can change whatever you want. However, without an agreement from the original manufaturer, you will run into trouble marketing the cars with their original name, like the "Timlo Ford Explorer". Also be prepared to meet government regulations regarding new vehicle manufacturing.

I would suggest learning more about the many companies that are already in this line of business.