Volkswagen Chases After Car Dealer For ‘Bastardized’ Version Of Its Logo

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B-T-Dubs, this is bad. Automotive giant Volkswagen Group of America is pulling out the stops on VDubs Only, a Dallas-based used car dealership, for its use of a logo that the German car brand claims is a blatant ripoff of its own.

In a lawsuit filed on May 1, Volkswagen alleges that the dealership’s circular logo, featuring a white ‘V’ on a blue background, aims to capitalize on the brand recognition associated with the official VW emblem. Going a step further, it used the strong term “bastardized” to describe the alleged trademark infringement and dilution of its protected marks.

Furthermore, the complaint takes aim at VDubs Only’s branding as a “VW & Audi Specialist.” Volkswagen argues that this assertion misrepresents the dealership’s affiliation with the automaker, potentially misleading consumers into believing they are dealing with an authorized Volkswagen dealership.

While “VDub” is a commonly used nickname for Volkswagen cars, the company holds the trademark for this term when used in a commercial context. Volkswagen itself has embraced the moniker in past advertising campaigns, most notably the 2006 VDub campaign for the Volkswagen GTI. 

The automaker is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent VDubs Only from continuing to use the contested trademarks. Additionally, the suit demands the transfer of domain names associated with the dealer and compensation for attorney fees and past damages. The company alleges that VDubs Only has consistently ignored cease and desist letters and is engaged in “intentionally fraudulent, malicious, willful, and wanton” conduct.

[via Carscoops and Justia, images via various sources]