Mazda Motors UK has tackled a used car business which was operating under a Mazda UK web address.
The Frimley-based business, Mazda UK, was registered at Companies House in April and specialised in used Mazdas, including the RX-8.
Its website www.mazda-uk.co.uk stated at the top of every page "Mazda UK. We are a direct outlet for main dealer part exchanges, ex-lease and company vehicles".
The name Mazda UK was flanked on either side by an image of wings reminiscent of those in the Mazda Motors UK logo.
The Advertising Standards Authority has now upheld a complaint from Mazda Motors UK that Mazda UK's website implied a connection with the carmaker's national sales company based in Dartford and took unfair advantage of its trademarked logo and trade name.
The ASA has ordered Frimley-based Mazda UK to change its website, not to imply that its company was officially connected with Mazda Motors, and not to use a trading name, logo or website URL in a manner that took unfair advantage of Mazda Motors' trademark name and trademark logo.
In 2007 Nissan GB threatened more than 20 specialist independent importers that bringing cars in from Japan was an infringement of its trademark rights.
https://www.am-online.com/news/2007/12/21/nissan-clamps-down-on-grey-imports/16287/
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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