Esprit name lost?

[oneshot]

Renault are now using the name Esprit for their alpine versions of cars. 

https://www.whatcar.com/renault/austral/estate/e-tech-fhev-techno-esprit-alpine-5dr-auto/102935

Is it not protected by Lotus?

 

[Bibs]

Last time I checked (when I set up my drone business) it was copyrighted for cars and weirdly, something to do with DVD's by Lotus. I just tried to check again and the website is Monday to Friday so will have a look tomorrow. 

[C8RKH]

Even websites now get the weekend off! Wow...🙄

[Bling]

Apparently Lotus still do but I wonder if the capitalisation makes a difference: https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00002558401

[Bibs]

I doubt it, a word is a word isn't it but Renault looks like they're using it as a trim level rather than name of a car. I'm Merc have done this in the past too.

 

[C8RKH]

It's lost in the car name anyway. Do we really need cars to have names as long as this?

Renault Austral E-Tech FHEV Techno Esprit Alpine 

 

I know, my toothbrush is now a "Colgate Max White Sonic Power Battery Electric 76 Nylon Bristle Soft" toothbrush. Gosh, that makes me feel so much better for buying it......

Car companies are losing the plot.

 

[shaunw]

Wasn't there a Caravan called the Esprit in the 80's/ 90s?

[LotuStuart]

This is my area, being a trade mark attorney working with patents and copyrights too.

As Bibs says, capitalisation makes no difference. Trim level is still use on vehicles, so might be naughty.

However, there are often agreements in place covering this kind of thing, and various factors come into play including the cost of the item and how much attention you pay when buying the item. The argument would be that you are unlikely to accidentally buy a caravan thinking it was made by Lotus because it has the ESPRIT mark, etc etc

[Bibs]

https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/t-Used-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-C180-Esprit-ev30434#listing=152813130/NONE/DEFAULT

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/reviews/caravans/swift-coastline-esprit-q6-ew

[eeyoreish]

Ooh, I like the white one. Does it go underwater?

[C8RKH]

1 hour ago, LotuStuart said:

The argument would be that you are unlikely to accidentally buy a caravan thinking it was made by Lotus because it has the ESPRIT mark, etc etc

Hmmm 🤔 both are types of vehicle made out of exotic composites and parts raiding from various manufacturers parts bins.

 

Lotus Esprit car, for the driver

Lotus Esprit caravan, something for the weekend, sir.

What could go wrong.

[eeyoreish]

Copyrights and trademarks is a tricky business. I don't know much about it but when I worked for B&Q, who have an orange square as part of their logo, they had a legal agreement with Orange the phone company never to sell telephones. Presumably it worked both ways and Orange weren't allowed to sell 4x2 but I never asked...

[LotuStuart]

38 minutes ago, C8RKH said:

What could go wrong

https://www.mby.com/gear/sealander-boat-caravan-104643

[snowrx]

Previous trim title  that upsets our part searches in the USA:

https://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/redsky/esprit.htm