Nissan Sues Audi Over Trademark Infringement in New SUVs

Strategic Insights -

Nissan, the Japanese automaker, has filed a lawsuit against Audi, claiming that the German carmaker's new sport utility vehicles, named Q5 and Q7, infringe on Nissan's registered trademark 'Q' for its luxury vehicles. The dispute centers around the use of the letter 'Q' to identify high-quality vehicles, with Nissan asserting that Audi's use of the same letter may cause consumer confusion. The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. district court in Michigan, seeks to bar Audi from using any names that could infringe on Nissan's 'Q' marks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nissan has used the letter 'Q' as a trademark since 1989 for its luxurious Infinity vehicles, such as the Q45, symbolizing quality.
  • Audi plans to market the Q7 SUV in 2006 and the Q5 later, potentially infringing on Nissan's registered 'Q' marks.
  • The lawsuit was filed in a U.S. district court in Michigan, seeking to bar Audi from using any names that could infringe on Nissan's 'Q' marks.
  • Nissan has registered the 'Q' trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • The company declined to specify the damages it is seeking in the suit.
  • Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, has traditionally used the letter 'A' for most of its vehicles.

Statistics:

  • Since 1989, Nissan has used the 'Q' trademark for its luxurious Infinity vehicles, including the Q45.
  • The Q45 is a high-end vehicle that symbolizes quality.
  • Audi plans to market the Q7 SUV in 2006 and the Q5 later, potentially affecting the market share of Nissan's Infinity vehicles.

Sources:

  • "Nissan files suit against Audi over 'Q' trademark", Kyodo News, Mar. 25 (no online date provided), citing a press release from Nissan North America Inc.