Nissan may have trademarked the phrase "long nose van" but that won't stop anyone from building one, only calling it that particular phrase. You can't patent words or phrases. Only products can be patented. I seriously doubt that a patent for a van with an engine forward of the cab could ever hold up to a challenge. There is functionally no difference between a NVxxxx style van and any of the old panel wagons built in the past, or a large truck based SUV like the Suburban/Excursion/etc. Now does Ford really want to build one? Who knows! I do agree that Ford and Rams venture into unibody is cutting them out of a large market for vans that can tow substantial amounts.