Ferrari Suffers Logo Infringement Controversy with Unconventional Rival
In a recent turn of events, luxury car manufacturer Ferrari has found itself on the losing end of a trademark dispute with Malaysian energy drink brand Wee Power. The High Court did not find in favour of Ferrari, who had argued that Wee Power's packaging, featuring two bucking red horses and a graphic 'W', infringed on its iconic prancing horse logo.
The dispute between the two brands began when Ferrari attempted to block Wee Power's trademark application, claiming the design was too similar to its own. However, the Malaysian High Court ruled in favour of Wee Power, noting the distinctiveness of their dual-horse design and 'W' background, and ordered Ferrari to cover the legal costs of the case.
This is not the first time established brands have clashed over logo similarities. For instance, Nike Inc. and Adidas AG have had a long-standing dispute over their famous logos, with Nike's 'Swoosh' logo being at the centre of the controversy. In another case, Buc-ee’s, a Texan convenience store chain, sued three companies for trademark infringement, alleging that their logos resembled Buc-ee’s.
These logo disputes often centre on perceived similarities that might confuse consumers or dilute brand identity, but courts weigh factors such as distinctiveness, context, and market differences before deciding. In the case of Ferrari and Wee Power, the court's decision was influenced by the contrasting design of Wee Power's packaging compared to Ferrari's legendary trademark.
Ferrari has since filed a lawsuit at the KL High Court to revise the overall ruling. The lawsuit is an attempt to challenge the initial decision, demonstrating the complexity and potential intensity of disputes over logos, which combine legal, commercial, and emotional factors.
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[1] Buc-ee’s vs. Owl & Anchor, Born United, and Prometheus Esoterica Inc., Federal Courts in South Carolina and Florida, 2025 [2] Nike Inc. vs. Adidas AG: The ‘Swoosh’ Controversy [3] Ferrari vs. Wee Power (Malaysian energy drink) [4] Gap's 2010 rebranding backlash and The Catholic Church Archdiocesan Youth Commission logo controversy
- The dual-horse design and 'W' background of Wee Power's packaging prove to be distinct enough to withstand a trademark dispute with Ferrari.
- Luxury brands like Ferrari and Nike have found themselves in logo disputes, with Nike's 'Swoosh' logo being at the center of its controversy with Adidas AG.
- In a long-standing dispute, Nike and Adidas have faced each other over their famous logos, a contention that mirrors the Ferrari and Wee Power case.
- Buc-ee’s, a Texan convenience store chain, has sued three companies for trademark infringement, alleging that their logos resemble Buc-ee’s, much like the disputes between the sports brands.
- Distinctiveness, context, and market differences are some factors that courts consider when ruling on logo infringement cases, as observed in the Ferrari and Wee Power dispute.
- The case of Ferrari and Wee Power demonstrates the complexity and potential intensity of disputes over logos, which often blend legal, commercial, and emotional factors.
- In a bid to challenge the initial decision, Ferrari has filed a lawsuit at the KL High Court, showing that such cases can be lengthy and disputed.
- For those intrigued by car branding trends, Bentley's creative approach to branding offers an interesting study. The Creative Bloq Newsletter, with daily design news, reviews, guides, and more, can help delve deeper into the world of car branding.
