Mini: According to reports, Beijing Estek Technology, a Chinese business that produces semiconductors, failed in its bid to patent the iconic Mini design. Following BMW’s opposition to the application, the denial was given to the owner of the original Mini design.
The decision was made by the State Intellectual Property Office of China. It has occasionally decided in favour of foreign automakers whose patented designs were violated by Chinese domestic firms. Chinese automakers have produced knockoffs of the Ford Bronco and C1 Corvette, to mention a couple.
Mini knockoff
Although it doesn’t go into much detail about Beijing Estek Technology or the specifics of BMW’s complaint, the story was also published by the Chinese auto magazine AutoHome. For those who are unaware, BMW purchased the MINI in 1996 as part of its acquisition of the Rover group. From 1959 until October 2000, the iconic Mini was produced in some form. BMW thus has ownership of the design.
The EV with a front-mounted electric motor was purportedly Beijing Estek Technology’s plan, but the information is very unclear. In contrast to the digital drawings that are more prevalent in American and European patents, the visuals in the application appear to be altered photos of a real Mini.
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