According to the World IP Review, the Californian garage has is said to have used BMW’s ‘mini wing’ and ‘roundel’ logos on their vehicles, website and around the garage itself without their consent.
The garage, owned by Christopher Boehler had been sent two cease-and-desist letters by the car manufacturing giant but did not remove the marks.
BMW stated that German Auto Service has been using their marks in bad faith in order to benefit from their excellent reputation as car manufacturers.
BMW is currently seeking an injunction against the use of their marks by Boehler. Furthermore, the car manufacturing giant is also claiming attorneys’ fees as well as a trial by jury and triple damages for the infringement of their logos.
We will have to wait to hear the outcome of this case.
This is already the second case of infringement that BMW has had to combat this year. A couple from Northern Ireland were recently given a jail sentence with a combined total of two years for buying counterfeit goods from sellers in South East Asia and then selling them on eBAY, marketing them as genuine BMW merchandise.
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For advice and more information on searching, acquiring, registering and enforcing Trademarks please visit our website, http://www.lipex.com. Our unique database of trademarks for sale or license could save you time and help protect your brand.
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