Says GM'S New Hummer Violates Jeep Trademark
DaimlerChrysler Corporation has confirmed that it had filed suit against General Motors Corporation for appropriating one of the world's most recognisable automobile features in order to enhance the appeal of GM's new Hummer sport utility vehicle. The lawsuit was brought to protect DaimlerChrysler's trademarked Jeep® grille design, which is protected by three federal trademark registrations and has been made famous though over 50 years of use on Jeep vehicles.
DaimlerChrysler's basic intention is to have good relationships with its competitors. However, it has become increasingly apparent that this is one area of disagreement that could not be amicably resolved outside of the legal arena.
DaimlerChrysler said that an independent analysis conducted by a respected market research firm confirmed that the new H2 design is likely to mislead potential SUV buyers. When shown photographs of the new H2, nearly two-thirds of all Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee owners, who took part in the survey, incorrectly associated the new H2 with a DaimlerChrysler vehicle, and more than half of other four-wheel drive owners reached the same conclusion. When asked why they identified the H2 as a DaimlerChrysler vehicle, most respondents referred to the distinctive Jeep grille design.
In its suit filed in U.S. District Court in Toledo, Ohio, DaimlerChrysler is asking the court to block GM's use of the Jeep grille; force GM to recall any H2s distributed with the Jeep grille; account for all profits derived from the use of the Jeep grille; and award DaimlerChrysler damages for trademark infringement and other violations.
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