BMW Finally Sues Infinity over M - United Bimmer Community

**komodo** · 02-03-2006, 01:42 AM

http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...024/LATESTNEWS

Quote:

M-napped? BMW demands $260 million for Infiniti campaign

By AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

How much is a letter worth? When it comes to branding hot cars, BMW says it has invested at least $260.7 million internationally over nearly 30 years promoting its M series.

So it took offense when a Nissan Canada ad campaign used "the M is coming" - with a capital M and a Nissan logo - to advertise the Infiniti M35 and M45.

BMW sued Nissan in Canada's federal court, alleging trademark infringement. It says it fears even aficionados could confuse Nissan and BMW cars.

But BMW has not produced any evidence of harm, the judge noted in denying BMW's request for an injunction to stop the ads.

No proof, no injunction.

The judge, acknowledging the importance of the M cachet to BMW, told the companies the case would be heard as soon as possible, perhaps late this year.

**Numark318i** · 02-03-2006, 04:49 AM

heh the first thing i thught when i saw that commercial was "somones gonna sue".

**Rooz** · 02-03-2006, 08:43 AM

About damn time! Pisses me off everytime I see one of those M35 or M45

Storamin · 02-03-2006, 09:17 AM

pisses me off too.

i can't believe they waited this long.

**Cellardoor** · 02-03-2006, 10:32 AM

its about damn time!

-Hutch-

**mullethunter3** · 02-03-2006, 10:55 AM

This is almost like when Porsche was going to call the "911" a "901". Peugot at the time had a whole series going "201", "301", 601" etc. They pressured Porsche into changing the name to "911".

Betcha didn't know that!

witeshark · 02-03-2006, 01:07 PM

I have been expecting this too

**xsperf** · 02-03-2006, 01:50 PM

haha, no mullethunter, but im glad its 911 b/c 901 sounds ghey!

**komodo** · 02-03-2006, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mullethunter3

This is almost like when Porsche was going to call the "911" a "901". Peugot at the time had a whole series going "201", "301", 601" etc. They pressured Porsche into changing the name to "911".

Betcha didn't know that!

You're right, I didn't know that.

Storamin · 02-03-2006, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

You're right, I didn't know that.

i knew it. history channel !!

**BMWLotAttendant** · 02-03-2006, 07:46 PM

FINALLY! Geeze.

Everytime I see that commercial on tv, it makes me think of a e60 5er.

They should pay $260 Million, and FORCE them to remove the M35/M45 from their production line.

**Rooz** · 02-03-2006, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWLotAttendant

FINALLY! Geeze.

Everytime I see that commercial on tv, it makes me think of a e60 5er.

They should pay $260 Million, and FORCE them to remove the M35/M45 from their production line.

AMEN!

**Hoppy** · 02-04-2006, 05:55 PM

ha. infinity should be forced to stop making cars. except the G35. cause lets face it, thats sex right there.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 02-05-2006, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoppy

ha. infinity should be forced to stop making cars. except the G35. cause lets face it, thats sex right there.

Yeah, agreed. The G35 engine does sound.

ALOT better than the 350Z.

**defkon99** · 02-05-2006, 10:16 AM

WOOO!! You know how many times i snickered over that GOD DAmn Commercial! Saying WTF!!

They trying to swipe that M logo!