Ferrari Successfully Regains Exclusive Use of 'Testarossa' Name
In a significant victory for the luxury carmaker, Ferrari has successfully regained the rights to the Testarossa trademark in Europe following a decade-long legal battle. The Testarossa, one of the most iconic cars to ever leave Maranello, was initially registered by Ferrari in 1987 but faced challenges to its trademark rights in 2014 and 2015.
The European Union General Court (EGC) ruled in April 2025 to overturn the decision made by the E.U.'s Intellectual Property Office, which had annulled Ferrari's rights to the Testarossa trademark. The court found that Ferrari had demonstrated genuine use of the mark through several activities, including the resale of certified pre-owned Testarossas through authorized dealers, the use of the Testarossa name on replacement components, and licensed accessories.
The ruling also highlighted the importance of proactive intellectual property management in sustaining legacy brand equity, particularly in secondary markets and through licensing. This decision sets a precedent for other legacy brands regarding the active status of a trademark tied to a vintage product or collectible.
The Testarossa, introduced in 1985, is one of the most revered modern-era Ferraris. Its distinctive design, including the "cheese grater" side strakes, made it a popular poster car of its era. The Testarossa's trademark V-12 engine is another of Ferrari's iconic features. The car's value has significantly increased since the start of the current decade, with its value more than doubling.
Despite not producing a new Testarossa model for more than two decades, Ferrari maintained commercial activity related to the model, contributing to the trademark's commercial relevance. This activity included the resale of certified pre-owned Testarossas and the licensing of the Testarossa name for use in scale models.
The EGC's ruling reinstates Ferrari's trademark rights for the Testarossa, encompassing cars, parts, and scale models. This means that Ferrari can now continue to protect the Testarossa name and ensure that only genuine Testarossas are sold in Europe. The Testarossa may be one of the most iconic cars to ever leave Maranello, but Ferrari hadn't owned the rights to the trademark in its home continent since 2023.
The Testarossa's trademark translates to "red head" in Italian, reflecting the car's distinctive red colour. This victory for Ferrari not only protects the legacy of one of its most iconic models but also demonstrates the potential for luxury brands to leverage their heritage through strategic intellectual property management.
- The ruling by the European Union General Court (EGC) in April 2025 marks a crucial victory for Ferrari in reclaiming the rights to the Testarossa trademark, allowing them to protect the name on cars, parts, and scale models in the finance sector of Europe's automotive industry.
- Moreover, the EGC's decision emphasizes the importance of strategic intellectual property management for luxury brands, such as Ferrari, in maintaining and leveraging their legacy, particularly in industries like transportation, where the Testarossa, with its significant value increase, remains one of the most revered modern-era Ferraris.
