Report: Audi denied TDI trademark by European court

According to Autobild, Audi went to the European Union courts in Luxembourg – on behalf of its parent company as well in its own right – to secure dominion over the TDI badge, but in a ruling this week, the judge ruled that the acronym is not theirs alone. Apparently the judge felt that the letters apply to a technology that is common with other automakers – namely turbocharged diesels with direct injection – and therefore rejected Audi's claim of ownership.

The company apparently owns the name in individual countries, so any attempt by a rival automaker to use the name would undoubtedly prove difficult. But as far as the European Union is concerned, it's not illegal.

Audi and Volkswagen will be required to pay all related court costs.


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tango - 7/9/2011 2:53:18 PM

+2 Boost

There is justice in the world, after all. Why would a company that has already established itself and its customers want to do something like this? I have the answer. Greed. The same greed that will have VAG tumbling from its high horse soon enough.

Dustbuster - 7/11/2011 2:06:54 AM

0 Boost

Give me one company that is not "greedy" by trademarking whatever gives it a competitive advantage (MB allowing me to sell my self-built car as an AMG? Or maybe I will sell "Hemi-powered" computer fans?). There are probably people who work for VAG that are not "greedy" but still want to help trademark TDI because they want to do their job and feed a family. Give me a break!