For those familiar with the automotive industry, it is well known that since 2020, Volkswagen has n releasing the “ID” line, which includes not only electric cars (such as the ID Buzz, ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7), but also components and technologies related to the vehicles produced. The German group filed applications for the registration of trademarks related to its current products and services in 2017. Recently, however, it has become apparent that the German group’s right to use the “ID” abbreviation is not as clear-cut as it seemed. It turns out that the protective right to the “ID” trademark and related trademarks (such as “ID.WEIGH,” “ID.TRACK,” or “ID.SHELF”) belongs to a small, family-owned company called Identytec, which is also based in Germany and focuses on the supply of logistics equipment and software. Importantly, the trademarks registered to the company date back to 2013, which is much earlier than when Volkswagen started using them.
Recently, a dispute arose between German companies regarding the use of the name “ID.” Importantly, according to Identytec, Volkswagen was a client of the company in previous years, and therefore was fully aware of the company’s portfolio and the trademarks it used, meaning it was fully aware of its actions. Regardless, a line of “ID” products appeared on the market, not only for cars but also for components, which constitutes competition for the German company.
It turned out that the parties had held talks about an amicable settlement of the dispute, but these did not yield any results. Given these circumstances, as well as the fact that as early as 2019, the German car manufacturer unsuccessfully challenged Identytec’s trademarks, the company decided to file a lawsuit with the Hamburg Regional Court against Volkswagen for infringement of the protective rights to the “ID” series of trademarks.
According to Identity’s statements to the media, the lawsuit was initiated, among other reasons, because Volkswagen remains passive in settlement talks, having appropriated the “ID” brand as a former client, but, above all, because its actions cause significant damage to the German company, which suffers from the fact that it can no longer be clearly distinguished as an independent, autonomous supplier, as it is perceived as an entity associated with Volkswagen.
In response to media reports, the German manufacturer announced that it would present its legal position in court, as part of the ongoing proceedings.
How will the dispute end? The coming months will certainly reveal this, but given how much Volkswagen has invested in promoting its “ID” line, the legal battle could be long and costly.
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