GM Still Fighting Aussie Corvette Trademark Issue

Recent Legal Filings Prove That GM Isn’t Giving up on the Holden Corvette Just Yet

One would think that a global company like General Motors wouldn’t have to deal with pesky trademark laws, especially when GM is the original creator of the logo in question. Such is the case in the Land Down Under, where General Motors has repeatedly failed to trademark the Corvette badge. The reason? IP Australia, the government’s trademark agency, says the Chevrolet bow-tie within the Corvette’s badge resembles the “Red Cross.”

According to Wheels, the GM has filed legal documents to apply for a “divisional” trademark application. This specific type of filing argues that the government’s original objection does not apply, due to the lack of relation between the Corvette’s badge and the global sign for medical care. The Geneva Conventions Act of 1957 states that such a symbol should be displayed during a time of conflict, and by medical personnel only.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About the Trademark Issue

Furthermore, the divisional trademark application allows GM to retain the original trademark filing of 2013, but buys the manufacturer more time to dispute the first ruling. This means that somehow, and someway, there is still hope for the ever-rumored Holden Corvette. Further fueling the fire is Stefan Jacoby, the head of General Motors’ international operations. He told Australian media in Detroit that Holden will have a “halo model” after the V8 Commodore dies.

GM has now spent four years, and reportedly “tens of thousands” of dollars attempting to bring the Corvette to Australia. Some say the issue why it hasn’t happened is silly, but the government disagrees. Ultimately, only time will tell if and when we see the Holden Corvette.

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