Ferrari wins EU Court battle to retain iconic Testarossa trademark
The ruling sets an important precedent for legacy brands, showing that trademarks can remain valid even when tied to vintage or collectable products, so long as the brand stays actively involved in the market.
The ruling delivered today by the ECJ's General Court reinstates Ferrari's trademark protection for Testarossa across cars, parts and accessories, and scale model vehicles. The EUIPO had previously attempted to revoke those rights in 2023, arguing the trademark hadn't been actively used in the EU for at least five consecutive years.
The General Court disagreed, stating that Ferrari had continued to make 'genuine use' of the name, even if the original Testarossa hadn't been in production for decades.
First introduced in 1984, the Testarossa remains one of Ferrari's most iconic 12-cylinder models. With over 7,000 units built before production ended in 1996, it was one of the more accessible Ferraris of its time.
Its design with wide rear haunches and signature side strakes (affectionately dubbed 'cheese graters') made it a poster car of the 1980s.
The Testarossa became a cultural icon thanks in part to the TV show Miami Vice, where a white model became the ride of choice for detective Sonny Crockett.
While new Testarossas haven't rolled off the production line in decades, Ferrari has continued to support the model, especially through the resale and authentication of second-hand vehicles via its authorised dealer network.
According to the Court, this activity was enough to qualify as genuine trademark use, even if Ferrari wasn't manufacturing new cars under the name.
The Court also ruled that the use of the trademark by Ferrari-approved dealers and distributors, even without explicit written consent, counted as authorised use.
This applied not only to the cars themselves but also to associated parts and accessories.
As for the scale model versions, the Court sided with Ferrari once again.
Many miniature Testarossas were sold as Ferrari official licensed products, a label the Court said reflected Ferrari's implied approval.
That kind of branding reinforced the trademark's essential role, according to the ECJ, by signalling the commercial origin of the product.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
Ferrari wins EU Court battle to retain iconic Testarossa trademark
Ferrari still has held on to its rights to the legendary Testarossa trademark, after the EU's Court of Justice (ECJ) on Wednesday overturned earlier decisions by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The ruling sets an important precedent for legacy brands, showing that trademarks can remain valid even when tied to vintage or collectable products, so long as the brand stays actively involved in the market. The ruling delivered today by the ECJ's General Court reinstates Ferrari's trademark protection for Testarossa across cars, parts and accessories, and scale model vehicles. The EUIPO had previously attempted to revoke those rights in 2023, arguing the trademark hadn't been actively used in the EU for at least five consecutive years. The General Court disagreed, stating that Ferrari had continued to make 'genuine use' of the name, even if the original Testarossa hadn't been in production for decades. First introduced in 1984, the Testarossa remains one of Ferrari's most iconic 12-cylinder models. With over 7,000 units built before production ended in 1996, it was one of the more accessible Ferraris of its time. Its design with wide rear haunches and signature side strakes (affectionately dubbed 'cheese graters') made it a poster car of the 1980s. The Testarossa became a cultural icon thanks in part to the TV show Miami Vice, where a white model became the ride of choice for detective Sonny Crockett. While new Testarossas haven't rolled off the production line in decades, Ferrari has continued to support the model, especially through the resale and authentication of second-hand vehicles via its authorised dealer network. According to the Court, this activity was enough to qualify as genuine trademark use, even if Ferrari wasn't manufacturing new cars under the name. The Court also ruled that the use of the trademark by Ferrari-approved dealers and distributors, even without explicit written consent, counted as authorised use. This applied not only to the cars themselves but also to associated parts and accessories. As for the scale model versions, the Court sided with Ferrari once again. Many miniature Testarossas were sold as Ferrari official licensed products, a label the Court said reflected Ferrari's implied approval. That kind of branding reinforced the trademark's essential role, according to the ECJ, by signalling the commercial origin of the product.
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'Ferrari Goes Full Sci-Fi': This 100-Foot Racing Yacht Has No Engine and Moves Like Nothing You've Ever Seen
IN A NUTSHELL 🚤 Ferrari launches the innovative 100-foot Hypersail yacht designed to operate solely on renewable energy. launches the innovative 100-foot Hypersail yacht designed to operate solely on renewable energy. 🧪 The vessel serves as a platform for testing new technologies, expanding both nautical and automotive horizons . . 🌱 This yacht is the first of its size to be entirely energy self-sufficient, operating without a combustion engine . . 🔧 The project involves collaboration with naval architect Guillaume Verdier and sailor Giovanni Soldini, highlighting the fusion of tradition and innovation. In the rapidly evolving world of luxury transportation, Ferrari has set its sights on the high seas with an ambitious project that merges technological innovation with the company's racing heritage. This isn't just any yacht; it's a 100-foot marvel designed to redefine endurance and performance in offshore sailing. The Hypersail yacht promises to be a groundbreaking vessel, operating entirely on energy produced by its sails. As a platform for testing new technologies, it stands as a testament to Ferrari's commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding its horizons. How will this venture influence the future of both the nautical and automotive industries? A Platform for Testing New Technologies The Hypersail yacht is not just a vessel; it's a floating laboratory for cutting-edge technology. Scheduled for launch in 2026, this project is a collaboration between Ferrari and renowned French naval architect Guillaume Verdier. The yacht will undergo initial sea trials to test its innovative systems, providing valuable insights for both nautical and automotive advancements. John Elkann, Ferrari's Chairman, emphasized the yacht's role in expanding technological horizons. He likened the project to Ferrari's Hypercar, which has triumphed three times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This new challenge is about pushing beyond existing boundaries, drawing inspiration from the company's rich racing tradition. Legendary sailor Giovanni Soldini is a pivotal figure in this endeavor, lending his extensive experience in yacht development and construction. The collaboration between Ferrari and Verdier promises a unique vessel capable of flying across oceans and serving as an innovation hub for both industries. 'Shortest X-Ray Pulse in History': US Scientists Smash Records With Ultrabrief Bursts That Could Transform Atomic Imaging Forever First of Its Size to Be Entirely Energy Self-Sufficient The Hypersail will be the first 100-foot yacht to achieve complete energy self-sufficiency. This is made possible through a sophisticated flight control system, leveraging Ferrari's expertise in aerodynamics and structural calculations. The yacht's design ensures it can perform safely and efficiently across vast oceanic expanses, without needing pit stops or external support. Ferrari's pursuit of originality has resulted in the filing of nine patents, with more on the way. These innovations contribute significantly to the evolution of Ferrari's sports cars as well. The yacht operates on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and kinetic energy, aligning with sustainability goals. With no combustion engine on board, all necessary power for the control and motion systems of the foils, keel, and rudder is generated autonomously. This self-sufficiency highlights Ferrari's dedication to pioneering new frontiers in energy-efficient transportation. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything The Role of Innovation in Nautical Design Innovation is at the heart of the Hypersail project, marking a major milestone in nautical design. The yacht's groundbreaking monohull structure, which stabilizes its flight on three contact points, is a testament to this. Designed to harness energy produced by sails, the vessel exemplifies the fusion of traditional sailing with modern technological prowess. By incorporating advanced materials and engineering techniques, Ferrari and Verdier have crafted a vessel that stands out in both form and function. The yacht's ability to remain stable and efficient over long distances showcases the potential of integrating automotive-derived technologies into nautical applications. This endeavor represents a significant step forward in sustainable design, offering a blueprint for future innovations in the realm of luxury transportation. 'Deepest Hole on Earth': Quaise Energy Unveils Revolutionary Wave Drilling Tech to Pierce the Planet's Crust Like Never Before Implications for the Future of Transportation The Hypersail project is poised to influence the future of transportation significantly. By demonstrating the viability of energy self-sufficient marine vessels, it sets a new standard for sustainability in the industry. This initiative also reinforces Ferrari's reputation as a leader in performance and innovation, extending its legacy beyond terrestrial vehicles. The insights gained from this project could lead to advancements in energy efficiency and aerodynamics, potentially impacting a wide range of transportation modes. As Ferrari continues to explore the synergies between nautical and automotive technologies, the possibilities for future innovations seem boundless. This ambitious project raises important questions about the future of luxury transportation and the role of sustainable technologies. What new horizons will be explored as a result of this groundbreaking venture? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (21)
France 24
5 days ago
- France 24
Norris savours finding 'the old me' in taking pole at Austrian GP
The 25-year-old Briton, who ended Max Verstappen's run of five consecutive poles at the Red Bull Ring circuit owned by his team, delivered a stunning late lap in one minute and 3.971 seconds to outpace Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by half-a-second. Verstappen, frustrated by a yellow flag when Pierre Gasly spun in his Alpine, qualified seventh. "I did what I planned to do and when I plan to do something and it goes right, it normally goes very, very well," said Norris who told the team on radio that it was "nice to see the old me back now and then!" "I am very happy -- a good day and it's been a good weekend for me so far. So, hopefully we can keep it up. "It's a long season. So, I savour this moment, especially because some of my tougher moments have been in qualifying and to put a lap in like today and performance like this weekend, like I have, is pleasing for myself. He added that he had enjoyed a feeling "that I have missed for quite a long time in terms of performance and lap time and it is the best feeling that a driver can ask for". Norris said the team had been working hard to support and guide him and he's "been working hard in the simulator so to get there and to move in the right direction is reassuring for myself and for the rest of the team". Norris had arrived in Spielberg under pressure to atone for his error in Montreal and reboot his challenge for the drivers' championship in which he is 22 points behind leader and team-mate Piastri, who was third in qualifying on Saturday. The 24-year-old Australian was frustrated at being unable to complete a second flying lap in Q3 but determined to improve and challenge at the front. "For me, it's the fact that I didn't get to start (the lap), that was the problem. I had Gasly's spin at the last corner, so I didn't even open my second lap," he said. "Lando has been very quick all weekend, and it would've been a tough challenge, but I think we easily had enough pace in the car this weekend to be on the front row. "It's always a shame when you don't even get the chance, but we can still have a good race from there. Sometimes it's just not your day." However, the Melbourne-native still has his eye on claiming his sixth Grand Prix win of the season on Sunday. "Our pace this weekend has looked very strong. The Ferrari pace looked good as well, which was a bit of a surprise," he said.
