China’s luxury EV brand, HiPhi, released a statement regarding the matter of Renault S.A.’s new logo resembling the brand’s logo.

HiPhi X; photo credit: HiPhi

According to HiPhi, its parent company, Human Horizons’s logo HiPhi icon) was registered as a graphic trademark in all major auto markets including the EU) since August 2018. The HiPhi icon was used in many automotive product designs and was patent-protected.

HiPhi icon; photo credit: HiPhi

On the other hand, Renault S.A. filed for a graphic trademark for its new icons after January 2021 in many countries, including China, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Brazil, and Russia. In China, Renault S.A. applied for a patent for its new logo in June 2021 and used it in multiple public situations, such as official websites and auto shows.

Renault icons; photo credit: HiPhi

HiPhi believes that the new Renault icon resembles the HiPhi icon, especially in its revolving part design and appearance under different angles. The said matter brought uncertainty to HiPhi’s brand development and ongoing European business expansion plans.

After failing to resolve the matter by sending a lawyer’s letter to Renault S.A. , Human Horizons has filed for and received a Temporary Restraining Order from the judiciary of Germany against Renault Deutschland AG in October 2021. The latter was asked to put the icon usage on hold in Germany for now.

Human Horizons disclosed that the two parties are currently in routine court hearings, trademark disputes, and revocation processes. The company will make relavant court results public in due time.

Notably, Human Horizons emphasized that the statement is an explanation to its users and investors who are concerned with the issue. The statement does not insinuate blame and infringement.