Electric taxi maker wins court ruling over London 'copy' cabs



LONDON: -- The makers of London’s traditional black cabs have lost a trademark case against a rival that is building an electric cab.

The London Taxi Company had argued that the Metrocab, developed by Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive, looked too similar to their design and was just a copy.

But a judge at the High Court in London dismissed the case saying that the original black cab lacks an “inherent distinctive character”.

The electric hybrid Metrocabs are already being tested in London, with a fleet of five, and are due to hit the streets in larger numbers later this year.

The London Taxi Company, which is owned by Chinese firm Geely, is also developing an electric version.

The authorities in London have said they want all new taxis to be zero-emission vehicles by 2018


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-01-22

the original black cab lacks an “inherent distinctive character”

Seems it's not just Thailand that has mad judges

the original black cab lacks an “inherent distinctive character”

Seems it's not just Thailand that has mad judges

I agree with the judge on this call.

I often mistake a London Black Cab with a Ferrari or Double Decker Bus, the similarities are shocking.

I'm surprised that some bright,ingenious, Thai company hasn't started copying London black cabs over here.I see enough

copy's of VW beetles here,with their acrylic body's and Jap engines.Another ploy to make the Felang feel more at home.

Sans meter,of course.

KKD

Utility vehicles, such as Buses (double deckers or otherwise) Truck power units, Tipper trucks, Pick-ups, Delivery vans, Minivans and purpose designed Taxis (as opposed to ordinary saloon cars painted in company colours eg.Yellow Cabs) tend to look incredibly similar.

In fact the same could be said for any item (including todays ordinary saloon car) that is purpose designed.

That's why court cases are about trademark (badge) abuse or patent (often component design) theft.

That's why this case was always a desperate, forlorn hope, for people who had previously thought themselves "protected", but with the arrival of Uber, suddenly realised that their days were numbered, and sought means to maintain their status.

Edited January 22, 201610 yr by Enoon

That looks smart.