The battle between Ford and Geely appears to be heating up as the Blue Oval is ready to challenge the latter company’s trademark application for the Lynk & Co moniker.
According to Automotive News, Ford feels the Lynk & Co name closely resembles its own Lincoln brand. As a spokesperson told the publication, “The Lincoln brand has a rich 100-year history and we intend to protect its reputation.” The spokesperson added “We are taking legal actions to prevent them from using their infringing mark. Their name, as it stands, will confuse customers.”
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently granted Ford an extension to oppose the Lynk & Co trademark and the company has until November 15th to file its case.
A search of the Patent and Trademark Office reveals the Geely Holding Group has filed three different applications for the Lynk & Co name with the first being submitted on November 25th, 2016. While that seems like a long time ago, the application wasn’t published for opposition until July 18th of this year.
It remains unclear if the two sides are already talking but a Lynk & Co spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to questions asked by the publication.
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