HomeCar NewsSkoda Rapid Monte Carlo discontinued after Monte Carlo Apparels wins trademark infringement...

Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo discontinued after Monte Carlo Apparels wins trademark infringement case

Keeping festive season in mind, Skoda India had introduced the much awaited Monte Carlo edition of the Rapid sedan. Priced from Rs 10.75 lakhs, this special edition paid homage to the racing heritage of the company which is associated with the place called Monte Carlo situated in Monaco, Europe.

Many enthusiasts, who connect with the racing heritage of Monte Carlo, had were waiting to buy this car. Sadly, they will not be able to. In India, there is a fashion company with the name Monte Carlo. They had filed a trademark infringement case against Skoda India, for using Monte Carlo name.

Based in Punjab, the fashion and clothing company, Monte Carlo does not want their trademarked name to be used by a car company and thus they filed a case in local district court. Ruling of this was delivered, and it is in favour of Monte Carlo Apparels. This means, with immediate effect Skoda India is banned from selling Monte Carlo Edition, or using the name Monte Carlo. Rapid Monte Carlo Edition has now been removed from their official site as well.

What is interesting here, in spite of Skoda paying royalty to Monaco, which is where the place Monte Carlo is located, they cannot use the name here in India. On the other hand, it is to be noted that Monte Carlo Apparels too have their name inspired from the same Monte Carlo in Monaco.

This is not the first time something like this has happened in India. Ford had to change the name of their SUV which is known as Everest everywhere else to Endeavour, just because the name Everest has been trademarked by a masala making company. Even the Ford Endeavour carried the Everest motif on the spare wheel cover.

How can a apparel or masala maker be threatened by a car company? Are we missing something here?

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