We actually took the sensible step of clearing the use of the MINI2 name, seeking reassurances that MINI2 was different to and unique from "MINI" well in advance of launching the site in 2001.
Being a Classic Mini owner/fan I had seen the way BMWs legal team had clamped down on unauthorised use of the name/word MINI/MIni and didn't want to set up a site with what I though was a cool domain name, only to have it snatched away! So we did check it all out in advance.
It was only when we started to take off big time years back that we got called in for a "meeting" at BMW HQ (which was rather a set of instructions/restrictions than a traditional two way meeting) where we had certain restrictions imposed upon us. These included things such as no selling of anything branded MINI2, no downloads or hosting of official BMW PDF documents (fitting instructions and so on), and various other things like certain phrases to be included our site disclaimer, copyright notices and so on.
You could argue, but when you're a little one man band talking to BMW, you tend to smile politely and agree.
Backhanded compliment? Thin end of wedge? At least (probably due to our size, the fact it is one word "MINI2" and prior clearance of using the name) we got to keep our name, several other sites and business' were not so fortunate.
Sure it was frustrating, sure you could give examples of double standards on certain restrictions we had imposed, but we're still here, and growing all the time, as the MINI becomes a more popular "World Car", and BMW/MINI treat us very well. So you can't really grumble!