News and Press Releases
NEWS • SUNROOFS • RESTLYING • TRUCKS • LEGAL
News and Press Releases
NEWS • SUNROOFS • RESTLYING • TRUCKS • LEGAL
New for 2023 SKYROOF® Gen.Z Pop-Up Sunroofs
[November 2022]
While most sunroof manufacturers have ceased production of aftermarket sunroof kits, DONMAR has an all new manual pop-up sunroof. We call it SKYROOF® Gen.Z. Our nominal 17x31 frame size fits most applications. The dark solar tinted glass is operated by an infinitely adjustable rotary latch. Inside, we made headliner finish a snap with a flexible headliner trim bezel. Suitable for both sheet metal and composite roof applications. DONMAR is filling a hole in the market with more than just a hole in the roof. Superior design and quality materials are used to make our new sunroof in an ISO 9001 certified factory.
for complete details, click here.
New for 2024 SKYROOF® 860 Spoiler Sunroofs
[February 2024]
While most sunroof manufacturers have ceased production of aftermarket sunroof kits, DONMAR has an all new power spoiler sunroof. We call it SKYROOF® 860. Our nominal 20x34 frame size fits most applications. The dark solar tinted glass is operated by an illuminated switch with express open/close and auto-close. Inside, the headliner looks like factory finish and includes a rollo shade. DONMAR is filling a hole in the market with more than just a hole in the roof.
for complete details, click here.
1984-2023: DONMAR's 39 Years of Excellence
Many of our well known sunroof and accessory products are no longer being manufactured, however we continue to serve restyling professionals with a wide array of quality aftermarket products. In 2021, we moved to our new HQ on Sunbeam Rd to serve you better. In 2023, we are bringing sunroofs back, starting with SKYROOF Gen.Z sunroofs.
1984-2009: DONMAR's 25 Years of Excellence
Kal Levinson founded DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. in 1984. With a little help from his family, he introduced the market to a unique top-mount sliding sunroof called SKYROOF®. DONMAR quickly made a name for itself by promoting its SKYROOF® line through retail, car dealerships and restyling trade media channels, while ensuring inquiries were referred to installation professionals.
As its customer base grew, so did DONMAR’s product line. The focus was on synergistic products such as pop-up sunroofs, deflectors, spoilers and other trim, which could be included in DONMAR's "package approach," designed to help customers sell more items per vehicle for a bigger ticket job. Today, that same approach is more important than ever, including an ever-expanding range of quality restyling products.
In 2009 DONMAR celebrates 25 years of selling sunroofs, restyling products and truck accessories, as well as its own sunroof product brands, including DONMAR®, SKYROOF®, and FUNSPORT® lines. As it has since the beginning, DONMAR still sells to installation professionals. Over the years DONMAR has built a reputation for excellence with personal service, knowledgeable sales staff, and expert tech support.
From its humble beginnings in Kal Levinson's garage in Jacksonville, FL, DONMAR is now a well-known national distributor for name-brand specialty restyling products and truck accessories, as well as a recognized and respected sunroof supplier.
1984-2004: DONMAR's Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence
DONMAR Enterprises, Inc., of Jacksonville, Florida, was founded as a sunroof company by Kal Levinson in 1984. With a little help from his family, he introduced a unique top-mount, sliding sunroof to the market, which was called SKYROOF® Sliding Sunroofs. DONMAR quickly made a name for itself by promoting its SKYROOF® line through retail, car dealerships and restyling trade media channels, always careful to refer inquiries to installation professionals. As its customer base grew, so did DONMAR’s product line. The focus was on synergistic products such as pop-up sunroofs, deflectors, spoilers and graphics, that could be included in DONMAR's "package approach," which was designed to help customers sell more items per vehicle for a bigger ticket job.
In 2004 DONMAR celebrates 20 years of selling many sunroofs, restyling products and truck accessories, as well as its own sunroof product brands, including DONMAR®, SKYROOF®, VST™ and FUNSPORT® lines. As it has since the beginning, DONMAR still sells exclusively to installation professionals. Over the years DONMAR has built a reputation for excellent service, backed by its knowledgeable sales and tech support staff. From its humble beginnings in Kal Levinson's garage, DONMAR is now a well-known national distributor for name-brand specialty restyling products and truck accessories, as well as a recognized and respected sunroof supplier.
DONMAR Acquires ITTCO's RESTYLING PRODUCTS DIVISION
[October 2003]
DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. of Jacksonville FL, a leading wholesale supplier of sunroofs and restyling products and truck accessories, has acquired the sunroof, rack and accessory division of ITTCO Sales Co., Inc. of Ronkonkoma, NY.
ITTCO Sales Co. has been supplying restyling shops for over 26 years. Founded in 1977 by Neil Rosenberg and Richard Scherer, ITTCO Sales started as Island Tops & Trim, a local trim and restyling shop, and grew one of the largest restyling shops in the country, as well as a nationwide trim and restyling distributor.
ITTCO is one of the oldest and largest distributors of SFC (Stretch Forming Corp) sunroofs in the country, a master distributor of SFC since 1981. Neil & Richie were pioneers in the Sunroof industry installing and training Sunroof installers for Webasto, SFC and others since 1974.
DONMAR was founded by Kal Levinson in 1984 as a sunroof supplier, when he introduced the SKYROOF® topslider sunroof nationwide. Since then, DONMAR has grown into a full range, national restyling and truck accessory distributor. DONMAR is well known for their knowledgeable sales and tech support staff, as well as their own sunroof brands including DONMAR®, SKYROOF® and FUNSPORT® lines.
ITTCO and DONMAR have had a business relationship since 1986, when ITTCO started distributing DONMAR's SKYROOF® sliding sunroofs. ITTCO also distributed DONMAR's FUNSPORT® pop-up sunroofs.
As part of the acquisition deal, DONMAR will be taking over ITTCO's SFC distributorship by adding the full range of SFC Sunroofs to their line. DONMAR already sells the following ITTCO product lines: Webasto, Hollandia, American Sunroofs-Inalfa, RackMaster, Dycrest, Perrycraft, AutoVentshade, and AutoMax. They also share many common customers. DONMAR will also be taking over ITTCO's toll free phone lines.
SKYROOF® Luxury Spoiler Sunroofs
[May 2004]
DONMAR is pleased to announce their all-new SKYROOF® electric spoiler sunroofs.
SKYROOF® LSS offers simplicity and convenience at an affordable price, with styling and features of a luxury power spoiler. The low-profile drive system provides a greater view through the dark tinted solar glass. A built-in hard panel sliding shade provides maximum solar protection, while a generous clear opening maximizes open air pleasure.
SKYROOF® electric spoiler sunroofs are sized to easily fit most compact car and truck applications, including many vehicles where no other sunshade model sunroofs will fit.
SKYROOF® sunroofs Let the Sun Slide In!
SFC Sunroofs Now Available from DONMAR
[October 2003]
DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. of Jacksonville FL, a leading wholesale supplier of sunroofs and restyling products and truck accessories, has added SFC AutoPort and NewPort sunroofs to their line.
SFC (f.k.a. Stretch Forming Corporation, now part of CR Laurence), is one of the oldest and best known line of pop-up sunroofs in the country. DONMAR has taken over the SFC distributorship from ITTCO Sales in Ronkonkoma, NY.
DONMAR will continue to offer their full range of aftermarket sunroofs products from Webasto, American-Sunroofs-Inalfa, and AutoTek, as well as their own FUNSPORT® line. The addition of the SFC line will enable DONMAR to service additional professional restylers with a wider range of sunroof options.
UPDATE 2022 Most brands and models of sunroofs have been discontinued and are no longer available. We do have liimited service parts and some complete sunroofs remaining.
Restyling & Truck Accessory Product Updates
Sunroofs: SKYROOF® LS Quick-Fit electric spoiler sunroof with full width rollo
Accessory Racks: MontBlanc, SportQuest accessory bar systems with carriers for skis, bikes and watersports
Roof Rails: Aventura, DyanaSport and MaggieRails offer stylish upgrades for pickups and small wagons.
Roof Rack Load Bars: load bearing upgrade xbars for carrying accessories and loads from MontBlanc and Perrycraft
Roof Rack Accessories: Bicycles, Ski/SnowBoards, Kayak/Canoe,
Bull Bars: T&H all tubular beefy bars; Aries Bull Bars with skid plates and Back-Country sport bars
Truck Bed Expanders: universal fit bed expanders from Topline fold flat for easy access.
Nerf Bars: BackCountry bars have an ultra-grip step; oval tubes from Aries; Raptor economy bars
Running Boards: ATS Uni-2 black boards with a deluxe tread step; Edge Series offers a straight oval tube look with the full tread of a running board – black or chrome; Platium offers a rugged rectangular look with the shine of chrome. SL Series silver boards with full rubber tread.
Tonneau Covers: ExtangRT velcro roll-up system. TekStyle Profile velcro roll-up system
Hood Shields: Stampede Chrome and Camo
Grilles: premium replacements and inserts from E&G, & Impostor Series
Chrome Accents: Door Handles, Mirror Covers, Taillight Bezels, Fuel Doors and more!
Legal Files: Trouble with Trademarks
DONMAR - BMW Trademark Dispute
[August 2024]
In October 2023, BMW of North America, LLC launched their 2024 BMW X2 in the USA with an oversized sunroof they refer to as a "Panorama Skyroof." Unfortunately, BMW's use conflicts with a registered trademark owned by DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida.
DONMAR, a wholesale supplier of aftermarket sunroofs and restyling products based in Jacksonville, Florida, is the owner of the trademark SKYROOF®, which they have used in connection with automotive sunroof products since 1984.
In May 2024, DONMAR issued a cease and desist letter to BMW NA, notifying them of the trademark conflict. As of August, 2024, DONMAR and BMW continue direct negotiations in an effort to appropriately resolve this conflict amicably.
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DONMAR - NISSAN Trademark Dispute
[June 2005]
DONMAR Enterprises and auto maker NISSAN [Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, Japan] continue legal proceedings after signing a settlement agreement in July 2004.
DONMAR, a wholesale supplier of aftermarket sunroofs and restyling products based in Jacksonville, Florida, is the owner of the trademark SKYROOF®, which they have used in connection with automotive sunroof products since 1984.
In February 2001, DONMAR granted NISSAN a license to use SKYROOF® on model year 2000 and 2001 Xterra vehicles to resolve NISSAN’s unauthorized use since mid 1999. NISSAN expressly agreed to "deliver a notice, a copy of which shall be provided to DONMAR, to all affiliated entities notifying them that SKYROOF® was not to be used on vehicles after the 2001 model year, and a different term would be used on subsequent model year vehicles." NISSAN failed to issue such notice, which DONMAR believes led to continued use of SKYROOF on NISSAN vehicles.
Fall of 2001, NISSAN launched their 2002 X-Trail SUV with, according to NISSAN PR, "a sunroof so large that Nissan designers call it a Skyroof."
Spring of 2003, NISSAN introduced their 2004 Maxima and Quest vehicles with a unique overhead fixed glass window feature they called a "Skyview Roof." DONMAR gathered evidence of NISSAN dealers, the media, and consumers incorrectly referring to NISSAN’s SKYVIEW feature as "SKYROOF." Nissan North America's owner's manual for the 2004 QUEST minivan also refers to "Skyview Roof" as a "skyroof" in print.
Between 2002 and 2003, DONMAR’s counsel attempted to resolve NISSAN’s lack of notice and additional SKYROOF usage, but was unable to gain timely or substantive response. In June 2003, DONMAR brought suit against NISSAN in Federal Court*, claiming breech of contract and trademark infringement. DONMAR also filed an opposition to NISSAN’s Federal trademark application for "SKYVIEW."
In late 2004, NISSAN changed their "SKYVIEW ROOF" terminology to "SkyView glass paneled roof," as represented in their website, advertisements, publications and PR. NISSAN denied this was any reaction to DONMAR's lawsuit.
On July 13, 2004, DONMAR and NISSAN participated in court ordered mediation, which resulted in a formal settlement agreement. DONMAR agreed to drop its lawsuit and trademark opposition in exchange for compensation and enforcement of the original license, and settlement terms. The new settlement recognizes DONMAR’s incontestable SKYROOF® trademark, requires NISSAN to issue formal statements which officially prohibit use of "SKYROOF" by NISSAN and Nissan Dealers, and establishes long term actions to reinforce this prohibited use.
A month after the Mediation, NISSAN attempted to renegotiate the settlement terms. DONMAR did not accept their desired changes. On November 1, 2004, DONMAR filed a Motion to Enforce the Mediated Settlement Agreement. NISSAN's response to the motion was a formal concession. Oral arguments regarding the motion were heard by Judge H. Adams on April 7th, 2005, where NISSAN conceded the motion in court. DONMAR's motion to enforce the mediated settlement was granted by court order April 19th, 2005.
Although NISSAN conceded in full to DONMAR’s Motion to Enforce the Mediated Settlement, they have yet to fulfill their settlement obligations, and persist in efforts to reverse them. NISSAN filed a Notice of Appeal May 19th, 2005 in an effort to overturn the court order.
A hearing was held in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on May 5th, 2006, for which a ruling is now pending.
-------- but wait, there's more! --------
DONMAR - NISSAN Trademark Dispute FINALLY Resolved!
[October 2006]
Though NISSAN conceded to DONMAR's Motion to Enforce the Mediated Settlement both in briefs filed, and during oral arguments in court, NISSAN appealed the judgement, believing the court was not empowered to enforce the agreement or impose a release (as clearly stipulated in the terms of the agreement).
After failed court ordered mediation efforts, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th circuit heard oral arguments from both sides on May 5, 2006. On June 22, 2006 the court ruled that the case was remanded to the lower court for an evidentiary hearing regarding the wording of the release. This hearing was originally scheduled for August 30th, but was rescheduled for September 26th due to a timing conflict at NISSAN.
Just prior to the scheduled court hearing, NISSAN presented DONMAR with a new settlement offer, virtually identical to the 2004 Mediated Settlement Agreement, and an amicable resolution was finally reached October 5, 2006. DONMAR has agreed to drop its lawsuit and trademark opposition in exchange for compensation of expenses, and enforcement of the original license and settlement terms. The new settlement recognizes DONMAR’s incontestable SKYROOF® trademark, requires Nissan to issue formal statements which officially prohibit the use of the terms "Skyroof," "Sky-Roof," or "Sky Roof" by NISSAN and Nissan Dealers for Nissan vehicles, and establishes a reasonable means of enforcement.
DONMAR wishes to advise all those involved in the advertising or sale of new and used NISSAN Maxima & Quest vehicles to use NISSAN's official SkyView glass paneled roof terminology, and not to refer to the unique overhead fixed glass panels as a skyroof, sky-roof or "sky roof."
Editorial Comment: Twenty-Six Months after a formal settlement agreement, the case is finally resolved!
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DETROIT - In January of 2002, General Motors launched their 2003 Hummer H2 SUV with a large sunroof dubbed "the largest skyroof in GM's History." Unfortunately, GM's use conflicted with a registered trademark owned by Donmar Enterprises, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida.
DONMAR, a wholesale supplier of aftermarket sunroofs and restyling products, has used the mark SKYROOF? for automotive sunroof products since 1984, and was granted U.S. Trademark Registration No. 1,555,657 in 1989.
This trademark conflict was amicably resolved in April 2003 through a License Agreement that authorized GM to use SKYROOF? to describe sunroof features on 2002-04 HUMMER H2 vehicles worldwide, including the provision that the "?" trademark symbol be used in conjunction with the mark.
After the license expiration, GM inadvertently used the term "Sky Roof" in HUMMER press releases describing the sunroof feature on 2005 and 2006 H2-SUT vehicles as well as the H3T concept truck. As of September 2005, GM has appropriately resolved related trademark conflict matters with DONMAR.
GM and DONMAR are advising both the media and the public that SKYROOF (or the equivalent "Sky Roof" or Sky-Roof) should not be used to describe sunroof features in GM vehicles outside model year 2002-04 HUMMER H2 vehicles, as such use would conflict with DONMAR's registered trademark.
DONMAR further wishes to advise individuals and the media not to use SKYROOF to describe any fixed or operable automotive sunroof features not manufactured, distributed or licensed by DONMAR.
Source: DONMAR & GM-Hummer Division www.media.gm.com
Click here for this PR on GM's site
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In March 1998 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA), an affiliate of DaimlerChrysler AG, introduced a power "Sky Roof" louvered sunroof option for the 1999 M-Class at the Geneva Auto Show. The name SKYROOF®, however, has been a registered trademark of DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. for automotive sunroofs since 1989.
DONMAR, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a leading wholesale supplier of aftermarket automotive accessories, including FUNSPORT® sunroofs, SKYROOF® sunroofs and wind deflectors, and other DONMAR® brand sunroofs, restyling products, and truck accessories.
DONMAR notified MBUSA in April of 1998 that MBUSA’s use of "Sky Roof" infringed DONMAR’s SKYROOF® trademark, and asked MBUSA to cease and desist unauthorized use of the name. MBUSA implemented a change to "Skyview Power Top" in August 1998. Notwithstanding the change, however, residual uses of "Sky Roof" and "Skyroof" remained in MBUSA specifications and websites. Some used and off-lease 1999-02 M-Class vehicles with the louvered sunroof option inadvertently continue to be advertised as including a "Skyroof" or "Sky Roof," contrary to MBUSA’s changed specifications.
In an effort to remedy the continued uses of DONMAR’s SKYROOF trademark, DONMAR is pleased to announce that it has reached a formal settlement with MBUSA as of January 12, 2005 to resolve all remaining issues between them to provide that the terms "Skyroof," "Sky-Roof," and "Sky Roof" will not be used by MBUSA in an improper manner to describe a sunroof feature in or in connection with Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
DONMAR also wishes to advise the public that the Mercedes-Benz M-Class louvered sunroof option should never be referred to as a "Skyroof," "Sky-Roof," "Sky Roof" or "Skyview Roof," nor should any other Mercedes-Benz sunroof option. Official Mercedes-Benz specifications and terminology should be used to describe the various Mercedes-Benz sunroof options.
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Nissan launched their 2000 Xterra Sport Utility Vehicle in 1999, offering a "flip up skyroof" option. However, the mark SKYROOF® had been in use by DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. since 1984 for automotive sunroof products. In 1989, DONMAR was granted a federal trademark for SKYROOF®, registration number 1,555,675.
DONMAR resolved the conflict in February 2001 by granting Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Jidosha Kobushiki Kaisha d/b/a Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., a license to use DONMAR’s SKYROOF® trademark on model year 2000 and 2001 Xterra vehicles.
That license expired in August 2001. In the license agreement, Nissan expressly agreed to deliver a notice, a copy of which shall be provided to DONMAR, to all affiliated entities notifying them that SKYROOF® was not to be used on vehicles after the 2001 model year, and a different term would be used on subsequent model year vehicles. To date, DONMAR has not received a copy of such notice, and believes that Nissan’s failure to issue such notice led to 2002 and newer model Nissan Xterra vehicles being advertised with the "flip up skyroof" feature.
In addition, beginning in model year 2002, Nissan adopted the term "SKYROOF" to describe the sunroof feature on their X-Trail SUV. Further, in 2003 Nissan launched the term "SKYVIEW ROOF" to describe a new sunroof feature offered in their 2004 Maxima and Quest vehicles. DONMAR has evidence indicating that Nissan dealers, the media and even consumers have called Nissan’s new "SKYVIEW ROOF" a "SKYROOF."
DONMAR believes that Nissan’s use of SKYROOF and SKYVIEW ROOF violate of the terms of the license agreement and their trademark rights. In June of 2003, DONMAR brought suit against Nissan in Federal Court*, claiming that Nissan breached the license agreement by failing to send the specified notice, by using "SKYROOF" to describe the sunroof feature on X-Trail, and by using "Skyview Roof," a confusingly similar term. DONMAR is seeking both damages and injunctive relief for breach of contract and trademark infringement. This lawsuit is ongoing.
*Civil Action No. 03:03CV-51521 TEM – U.S. District Court, Middle District of FL, Jacksonville Division
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In January of 2001, Mitsubishi Motors launched a national television ad campaign for their new Montero SUV. The commercial included text stating that the vehicle featured a "ONE-TOUCH SKYROOF." The name SKYROOF® has been a registered trademark of DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. for automotive sunroofs since 1989.
DONMAR contacted Mitsubishi, and their ad agency Deutsch, in June of 2001, regarding the conflict between their ad and DONMAR's registered trademark. Mitsubishi responded appropriately and the commercial was changed in a timely manner. The matter has been fully resolved as of June 2002 with the execution of a formal agreement which provides for full settlement and satisfaction of all disputed claims, and Mitsubishi will not use the term SKYROOF to describe any factory installed sunroof options.
DONMAR, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a leading wholesale supplier of aftermarket automotive accessories, including FUNSPORT® sunroofs, SKYROOF® sunroofs and wind deflectors, and other DONMAR® brand sunroofs, restyling products, and truck accessories.
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GM-Hummer Licenses DONMAR's SKYROOF® Trademark
[April 2002]
In January of 2002, General Motors launched their 2003 Hummer H2 SUV at the Detroit International Auto Show with a large sunroof dubbed "the largest SKYROOF in GM’s History." The name SKYROOF® has been a registered trademark of DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. for automotive sunroofs since 1989.
In March 2002, DONMAR contacted GM-Hummer directly to advise them of the trademark conflict. Marc Hernandez, marketing director for GM-Hummer division, admitted that both their advertising agency and marketing staff failed to perform a trademark search and promptly conceded that some corrective action was in order.
GM amicably negotiated and agreed to a 3 year, worldwide license with DONMAR to use the SKYROOF® trademark on Hummer H2 vehicles, including the provision that the "®" trademark symbol be used in conjunction with the mark.
The matter has been fully resolved as of April 2002 with the execution of a formal license agreement. After 2004, GM has the option of extending the license agreement, or will otherwise no longer use the SKYROOF® term to describe factory installed sunroof options on any GM vehicle, including subsequent models of the H2.
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NISSAN launched their 2000 model Xterra Sport Utility Vehicle in 1999, offering a "flip up skyroof" option. However, the mark SKYROOF® had been in use by DONMAR Enterprises, Inc. since 1984 for automotive sunroof products. In 1989, DONMAR was granted a federal trademark for SKYROOF®, registration number 1,555,675.
DONMAR fully resolved the conflict in February 2001 by granting Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Jidosha Kobushiki Kaisha d/b/a Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., a license to use DONMAR’s SKYROOF® trademark on model year 2000 and 2001 Xterra vehicles.
NISSAN agreed that the term "SKYROOF" was not to be used on vehicles after the 2001 model year, and a different term would be used on subsequent model year vehicles.
News Page Last Updated 08/24
NEWS • SUNROOFS • RESTLYING • TRUCKS
