Rolls-Royce considers legal action against £30,000 Chinese copycat

Telegraph.co.uk ^ | 23 Apr 2009 | Unsigned

[angkor]

Geely GE: Although Geely claims to be 're-inventing the classic' Rolls-Royce bosses are considering their options and have consulted lawyers Photo: AP

The Geely GE was launched at the Shangai Motor show this week where it was immediately branded a "Phantom knock-off".

The 5.4 metre prototype, painted black and given pride of place on a raised plinth in the middle of Geely's stand is undeniably based on the shape of the Rolls in the shape of its cabin, windows and down-sloping rear deck.

Although Geely claims to be 're-inventing the classic' Rolls-Royce bosses considering their options and have consulted lawyers and say the company is keeping its options open.

"Our colleagues in Shanghai are taking a serious look at it," a spokesman told the Daily Mail. "Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is very protective of its brand image and takes seriously any attempt to imitate its products.

[angkor]

£30,000 GBP = $44,016 USD

£250,000 GBP = $366,800 USD

I'd love to see this reviewed on Top Gear (the Brit TV show) or even better by The Truth ABout Cars, which has it as the lead story this morning:

Grand Theft Auto: Even The Ripoff Report Is A Ripoff

[angkor]

Made In China ping.

[Loud Mime]

Bill Gates and the Hollywood film producers are laughing their asses off.

If the suit is successful, how will RR collect?

[xmission]

If those a-wipes on Top Gear take one more shot at America, I’ll consider buying one, just to piss right on em. I’ll write em a nice note to tell em why too.

[SIDENET]

What a pimp-mobile!

[SonOfDarkSkies]

The Geely GE might be perfect for Obama, it has only one rear seat (throne actually)...

[Loud Mime]

Looks like a congressional restroom.

[SonOfDarkSkies]

Here's another view...

[central_va]

It has good “Monica” room in the back area.

[Daffynition]

It's not going to cut the mustard. I wouldn't get all excited.

[verity]

When will it be available at Walmart?

[SampleMan]

Kia has been making a knockoff of the Jaguar S-type with the Opirus for some time. I'm surprised that there haven't been stories about Jaguar hood ornaments getting stolen to finish the look.

[JACKRUSSELL]

A ping list dedicated to exposing the quality, safety and security issues of anything “Made in China”.


Please FReepmail me if you would like to be on or off of the list.

(This can be a high volume ping list.)

[pnh102]

What’s Rolls Royce going to do? Go after the Chinese government?

[pnh102]

If those a-wipes on Top Gear take one more shot at America ...

We watch the show religiously and outside of a few jokes and some very accurate descriptions of the crap made by Detroit, there is nothing "offensive" about the program.

Top Gear trashes all crappy cars from all countries equally.

[Gorzaloon]

Kia has been making a knockoff of the Jaguar S-type with the Opirus for some time. I'm surprised that there haven't been stories about Jaguar hood ornaments getting stolen to finish the look.

Oh, they can be bought online from places like Coventry West and Jagbits. No need to steal the Leaper Ornaments.

I have one on my riding lawnmower as a hoot-It really annoys a Jag-Owning neighbor. It was not an ESSENTIAL accessory like the gimballed beer holder from Bliss Marine, though....It has no performance contribution.

[angkor]

>>>>> What’s Rolls Royce going to do? Go after the Chinese government? <<<<<<

As discussed above, unless they’ve registered their marks in China, the best they can do is to have Hans Blix write s stern letter of protest.

[pnh102]

As discussed above, unless they’ve registered their marks in China ...

They could try pissing in the wind, it might be more effective.

[Chode]

when you Rolls, you Rolls alone...

[Grut]

George Barris did it better

thirty years ago.