	dannyboy2
	View My AgentPage

BMW loses 'M' battle with Infiniti

dannyboy2 submitted on 08/08/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:27 AM
from: www.motorauthority.com

[76] user comments | category: Misc News

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

BMW loses 'M' battle with Infiniti

BMW has lost a court battle in Canada to prevent Nissan from using the letter ‘M’ for what BMW describes as its rival’s “inferior and more modestly priced” models. The latest announcement comes several months after BMW originally won an injunction to stop Nissan from using the letter. The original injunction was later overturned on appeal. Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

david989 - 8/8/2007 10:38:23 AM

Show Comment -22 Boost

printhan - 8/8/2007 3:02:13 PM

+1 Boost

SUPER CLEAN RETARD!!!

mmmpowr - 8/8/2007 10:41:48 AM

+12 Boost

BMW had the M1, M3 and M5 before Infiniti even existed.

reply to this comment

Kinger - 8/8/2007 10:48:37 AM

-2 Boost

"inferior and more modestly priced models" lol, gotta love that German sense of humour.

reply to this comment

Bmw8ter - 8/8/2007 11:17:03 AM

+4 Boost

....perceived truth.

Kinger - 8/8/2007 1:13:21 PM

-4 Boost

Wah hey, look at that de-boosting!! Seriously though, everything thats cheaper is cheaper for a reason. If Infiniti could charge BMW prices for their vehicles they would, if they di no-one would buy them though.

Alec - 8/8/2007 10:55:01 AM

+6 Boost

The first Infiniti M car was the M30 in 1990. It looked something similar to a Nissan 240sx convertible. BMW established the M division in 1972.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 8/8/2007 8:06:34 PM

+5 Boost

if you read the article, you'd understand that BMW is fine with the M35 and M45. however, infiniti started used 'M' alone in advertising...saying the M is coming.

what would you think if someone said they drove an M? answer: BMW.

Alec - 8/10/2007 11:34:36 AM

+1 Boost

06gs300, i never said they were the same. I just put in who had the M first in the company. And seeing how BMW had started the M division in the early 70s and Infiniti's first M car was in the 90s.

tekknikal - 8/8/2007 11:13:18 AM

+3 Boost

which is probably a good thing.
nissan could have done the same to bmw in reverse, with the Z.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 8/9/2007 1:07:52 PM

+2 Boost

if BMW called their car the Z, then yes nissan would have a complaint. but it's a Z4.

and they don't do advertising calling it the 'Z' the way infiniti advertises the 'M'.

candywhite - 8/8/2007 11:18:41 AM

0 Boost

M Power!

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 8/8/2007 11:33:12 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

This is similar to Infiniti suing Audi for use of the Q designation. And Infiniti lost in that case.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 8/8/2007 12:28:38 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Which is why BMW should lose this fight.

This is a mere publicity stunt to gain market exposure for both of the company's models, IMO.

Agent009 - 8/8/2007 4:50:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

True. but if you trademark letters, what is next? numbers?

M35MT - 8/8/2007 4:53:36 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I didnt say you should - I was just pointing out that if Audi can use 'Q', Infiniti can use 'M'.

It would only have been lame of Infiniti to use 'M' if they used it for a performance division, instead, it corresponds to 5 series, E Class, GS, A6, etc.

silverarrow2 - 8/8/2007 11:34:10 AM

+8 Boost

I don't think you can trademark a letter of the alphabet or numbers by themselves.
Ford lost the battle ot the GT40, because of the way the name was constructed. GT was fine, but not the same combo. If Nissan used M1, M3 or M5 that would have been a problem, but no one owns the letters in the Alphabet, so sorry Bimmer Infinity is bringing the heat up your azz, take it like a champ. Stop the cheap shots paper trashing when you know very well they are causing problem for you on the streets.

Bimmer didn't worry about that before, but now the new G is causing problem for the 3series and now we have a problem? Get a life Bavaria!!

reply to this comment

Will_ - 8/8/2007 11:44:16 AM

+9 Boost

Agreed.

I wonder how many lawsuits Apple has had to fight off for the letter "i"...

mikeydred20 - 8/8/2007 12:24:06 PM

+2 Boost

A company can use whatever letter they want since all luxury manufactures pretty much use letters to describe their cars, make good products and don't worry about the stupid letter.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 8/8/2007 8:08:18 PM

+1 Boost

if lexus starts called their cars "3-series" and "5-series"...they yes.

by your logic, hyundai should have a right to use RX and LS no? they're just letters right?

reply to this comment

Kinger - 8/8/2007 1:14:07 PM

+2 Boost

What a stupid comment, RICEMASTER you really are an igmorant, clueless moron.

reply to this comment

Kinger - 8/8/2007 1:14:12 PM

+3 Boost

What a stupid comment, RICEMASTER you really are an ignorant, clueless moron.

reply to this comment

pushrod27 - 8/8/2007 3:15:41 PM

+1 Boost

Call me when Infiniti has a 500 horsepower V10, and a consumer willing to spend more than $60k for an Infiniti.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 8/8/2007 8:09:30 PM

+1 Boost

clueless.
clearly never driven an M (the real one).

reply to this comment

07G35J - 12/26/2007 2:54:22 PM

+1 Boost

They already have. It's not a V-10 and no, It doesn't make 500hp, only 473. But get this, it won't be an Infiniti... are you sitting down? it will be a Nissan, and it will cost about $70k. Guess what? There are already people lining up to buy it... isn't this a crazy world??!!

reply to this comment

07G35J - 12/26/2007 2:55:44 PM

+1 Boost

Nissan GT-R... just in case you haven't guessed it yet.

phantom330 - 8/8/2007 2:44:19 PM

-3 Boost

it's clearly a ripoff of BMW M. The funny thing is BMW came out with M decades ago, and now every manufacturer wants their own performance letter. (V, M, R, etc) It's lame to say the least.

reply to this comment

pushrod27 - 8/8/2007 3:18:13 PM

-2 Boost

You, Lexus, and the Chinese obviously have no respect for intellectual property. No BMW does not own the alphabet, but Nissan is fully aware of what they are doing when they run ads for a car called 'M.' In the minds of many clueless consumers, Infiniti has associated itself with the real M cars.

M35MT - 8/8/2007 4:56:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

43LE makes the best point here, the 'Z4' is a cheap ripoff of the Z car's name. In fact, the Z4 and Z3 are pathetic jokes compared to the Nissan Z-car. Even if you are a BMW enthusiast, you should agree with me there...

...although, no one made a big deal about that, did they?

pushrod27 - 8/8/2007 9:44:27 PM

+2 Boost

Do you honestly think that anyone in Germany has ever heard of a Nissan Z? That car may be some kind of legend in your eyes, but to BMW it's as meaningless as any other Nissan. I'm sure we can all agree that a BMW Z8 is preferable in every way to any generation or variation of the Nissan Z.

sold2early - 8/8/2007 2:45:01 PM

0 Boost

This isn't nearly as lame as Honda suing Ford over their MKX, saying the name was too close to MDX

reply to this comment

Lexus - 8/8/2007 3:05:46 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe BMW should ask Nissan nicely to NOT use the "M" word on their M35 and M45, Nissan might agree change their mind ;) LOL......................

reply to this comment

BentleyGT - 8/8/2007 3:43:52 PM

0 Boost

This is the perfect example how the Japanese copies the German car makers. They cant seem to do anything on there own without us. It could have been called H45,I45,K45,L45,N45, or V45. Whats next, Lexus will copy Mercedes and have a name FMG for tuned engines in the future.

reply to this comment

Kinger - 8/9/2007 5:05:44 AM

+5 Boost

The Japanese have made many facsimilies of European cars over the years. The Mitsubishi Starion which completely ripped off the looks of the Porsche 944, the original Lexus IS where Lexus used the silouette of the 3-series to form its shape then fitted it with a straight-6 engine driving the rear wheels.

I think they're finding their own identity a bit more now design wise but they always seem to be competing or playing catch-up rather than ruling the segment.

BentleyGT - 8/9/2007 1:25:03 PM

+1 Boost

I thought you were deleted from auto spies for using foul language LEXUS ADMIRER, YOU are the one who got me banned for 2 weeks. I not going to risk my membership because of your crap. In responce to that, have you heard what the little puny IS-F engine puts out? 407hp. A cadillac escalade will kill it holding 7 fat people in it.

BentleyGT - 8/10/2007 2:01:19 PM

0 Boost

You would drool if you saw my tight 6 pack. Why waste my time with garbage, youre NOTHING.

M35MT - 8/8/2007 4:58:33 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

lowly plebian? You mean the only brand that actually competes with the 3 series you beat off to every night? (The picture taped to your wall, because you dont really own one, do you?)

reply to this comment

pchera01 - 8/8/2007 5:58:08 PM

0 Boost

spies whould changed the title, it should read, "infinti won the battle with BMW"

reply to this comment

audirevolution - 8/8/2007 9:27:49 PM

0 Boost

BMW should have won easily. BMW has had M before Infiniti even existed as many have said before me.

reply to this comment

Mercedes - 8/9/2007 2:21:15 AM

+3 Boost

They mean inferior to their Motorsport cars, not regular BMWs.

reply to this comment

WickedRabbit - 8/9/2007 2:04:25 AM

+1 Boost

BMW will just try to take this to Supreme Court, but it's a waste of money, because they can't copyright a freaking letter. If that were the case, you wouldn't see everyone with "S" or "R" or "Type-S" or "Type-R" models, would you?

BMW is just mad that the competition is catching up, and catching up fast.

Plus, if BMW does win, I wouldn't be surprised to see Nissan turn around and sue for BMW's use of "Z" for the same reason.

See what happens when you're a cocky bunch of Germans?

reply to this comment

MPowerDK - 8/9/2007 3:16:07 AM

+2 Boost

remember the MB ML? they had to call it the ML because BMW had the letter M in their lineup.

The Nssan Z cars had a number 240Z i believe, then i find it ok that BMW uses the Z in front of a 3 or 4 or 8. Like Infiniti does and accepted by BMW on the M45 and M35.

reply to this comment

SSP350 - 8/9/2007 9:37:57 AM

+1 Boost

Those cocky Germans..I am so sick of them thinking they are far more superior than any brand for that matter.
I've driven the new 335i and the 545i, I mean, don't get me wrong, they're some of the best vehicles to drive, but when I sat in one the car feels a little cheap and maybe it was that whole pleather shit that they put in and the car just feels cheap. I can understand why some people wouldn't think so and thats because its a 'BMW'..how can it be cheap, right? The whole interior layout on any BMW's are just outright ugly. And let me tell you cocky ass Germans, that the M45 feels like a lot more car than the 535i with just a couple less cylinders through the lineup. Anyone who thinks that BMW is far superior than an Infiniti has got a stick his 'youknowwhat'. Just because the pricing of any BMW has been grandfather'ed through the decades, just gives them the advantage and the perception that they're better cars. If any frugal person start to compare the G35 sedan with the 3 series sedan with standard features and both drives just as well, one would think why pay more for the 'BMW' badge? They're the same car with a different facades.
Aside from this, the automotive industry do this all the time, its what they do, try to be the best. But for BMW to claim that they're just better is wrong and that's just straight up cocky and ignorant.

reply to this comment

ICON - 8/10/2007 6:54:36 PM

+1 Boost

More ramblings from an idiot

SSP350 - 8/9/2007 3:27:51 PM

+2 Boost

Well, if you call a 2007 Cayman S underachieving...then..oh well. I wasn't justifying purchases for me personally, but as a BMW brand as a whole thats catered to the public.
Good luck with your leatherette BMW.

reply to this comment

kablaam - 8/9/2007 8:13:24 PM

+1 Boost

Ok this is a first, we're comparing a BMW M with an infiniti.

Infiniti's current interiors "look nice" but are of inferior quality(washi material,, ohh kay). I owned an 03 G35 and that interior looked crappy AND had inferior quality, the engine was great though.

BMW interiors are ergonomic dreams, sorry it isn't tacky or flashy but you cannot doubt the quality of the product. If you believe it to be inferior you have never driven in one for more than 5 hours.

reply to this comment

cdoke - 8/11/2007 6:07:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

AmazinBimmer,

I usually wouldn't write a message such as I am about to, but I do wonder if I actually have something to do with the rise of this. I have seen you use the word "plebian" multiple times recently, as as of now you have yet to actually spell it correctly.

It is "plebeian".

I hope I didn't incite the use of this word when I called a certain poster's behavior "hoi polloi sort of plebeian". That is not something I care to envision.

It has come to the point on these boards where I have no other option but to believe that about 80% of those here have completely lost their minds.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

The Genesis is stealing sales, but from who?Maserati MC Sport Line Package for the GranTurismo Production 2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Revealed UAW Feels The Heat And Suspends Job Bank And Delays Trust Payments Until 2010 The All New Mazda3 5 Door Hatch Debuts In Bologna Does It Have What It Takes To Be At The Top? The 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet - Quick Reference Guide Out of Time, Out of Money, Out of Options GM Spirals Into The Abyss Porsche Panamera Tuned by 9ff and Russian firm's Top Car and Cardi Breaking: 2009 BMW Z4 Unveiled Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept unveiled in Bologna All-New Mazda3 Hatch Unveiled at Bologna Motor Show Detroit's Big 3 request totals $34 billion Michelin presents Active Wheel system Audi anticipates record sales in 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback to feature Ralliart and GTS Editions November Luxury Car Sales - Is Infiniti ready for a flagship?UPDATED: First Audi A5/S5 Convertible Photos- STUDS or DUDS? Why No Hardtop?V8 Car Cookout: Bratwurst (Audi S5), Beef Teriyaki (Lexus IS-F) or Bacon Cheeseburgers (Challenger SRT-8)?GM Says It Will Sacrific SAAB, Saturn, Hummer, And Hobble Pontiac For Federal Funds Nissan Sales Sour By 44.4% In November: Infiniti Drops 28.0% UPDATED: Audi Sales Ends The Free Ride By Skidding 25.4% In November DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Audi Flexes It's Muscle And Is Set To Debut V10 R8 Sports-Car Honda Civic sales down nearly 30%, Toyota Highlander sales up nearly 50%Chrysler Outpaces GM To The Bottom Of The Heap: November Sales Fall 47%Ford Asks Congress For $9 Billion In Stand By Credit But Has No Plans To Use It GM Sales Out Does Them All In A Bad Way: Sales Implode 41.3% In November 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V Reportedly Will Cost $160,000 but Not Get More hp Jaguar and Land Rover in Big Trouble as Tata on the Bubble Mercedes Benz Sales Crumble 38.2% In November Mazda Sales Tank 31.3% For November Hyundai Makes Everyone Else Look Good In November By Falling 40%Porsche and BMW to Halt Production Honda Sales Falter 30.6% In November: Acura Freefalls 38.9%The World Bids Farewell to the Yugo BMW Sales Plummet 36.1% Mini Sales Explode 43.1% In November GM Ceases All Corporate Jet Flights: To Sell Remaining Jets Toyota Sales Spiral In November Down 33.9%: Lexus Basement Bound Down 34.7%FOMOCO Sales Continue To Flatline: Down 30.6% In November Volkswagen Finally Fumbles In 2008: November Sales Drop 19.2%Japanese and South Korean Car Sales Plummet in November Comparison Test: 2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 The Big Three Bailout According to SNL Nissan 370Z goes from 0 to 60 in the same time as the BMW M3 Mulally chooses Escape Hybrid for D.C. road trip Fisker to unveil production Karma Hybrid in Detroit Toyota Halts Production And Cuts Management Bonuses To Maintain Positive Cashflow Chrysler says 2011 Charger and 300 will pass fuel-economy standards 2009 GMC Yukon XL Denali FORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?Industry Sales Likely To Be Down 28% In November GM May Fare Worse

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries

Cars

Auto Shows

More Galleries