Quote:
Originally Posted by SickFinga
That's a good point you are raising, but the question is, do they really need to trademark every possible name? For example, there are no trademarks for the M3 GT, M3 CRT, M4 GTS.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spa2k
M2 CS and M2 CSL have no other live uses in the U.S. beyond BMW's listings; they're not yet approved, but will be if no one opposes them. New trademarks are hard to come by; you'd better get going on SickFinga, because it's not on the list!
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SickFinga, about "GT": true that BMW did not trademark "M3 GT" but it trademarked "M3 GTS" in Winter 2009-2010. As I indicated in the first post "M4 GTS" was not trademarked. Porsche already trademarked "GT1", "GT2", "GT3", "GT4" and last December also "GT5".
Furthermore, as you can imagine, some word names are not eligible for trademark protection. For example, you cannot trademark the word name "SHOE" for shoes. If you try to trademark "SHOEBIDOO" for shoes, you stand a better chance, but if you're lucky enough to get it approved, it will still be considered a so-called "weak trademark", as the product is described/suggested in the name. However, if you try, say, "BLU BABELOO" for shoes, you stand a good chance ("strong trademark" as the name does not suggest/describe the product). Trademark applications are classified in 'classes'. Same or similar names can exist in different trademark classes.
It's up to intellectual property lawyers to determine whether "M2 Competition" is eligible for trademark protection. In matters like these, as a trademark provides protection, approval cannot be taken for granted - criterion must be met (a trademark may be eligible for registration if it performs the essential trademark function, and has distinctive character).
The point of this thread: one may get the impression that BMW is pretty keen on trademark protection for "M2 CS" and "M2 CSL" (Germany + International + U.S. + Canada) when you notice that BMW took steps, not a few years ago, but last November and again last January, March and April. All relatively recent. They did not do the same for M1, M3, M5, M6 and M7 (only Germany: last November). And neither for "M2 Competition" nor for "M2 GTS". Hence, the "M2 CS" or "M2 CSL" names
may surface someday in the future (maybe before F87 end of production (2020) ?).
And as you know, last month BMW M boss Frank Van Meel confirmed a "CSL" reboot and explained the envisioned distinction between future "CS" and "CSL" ///M models:
BMW Is Bringing CSL Back
The name that adorned two of BMW's greatest creations, the 3.0 CSL and the E46 M3 CSL, will be applied to future M cars. We hope that means we'll see an M2 CSL.
By Chris Perkins - Sep 13, 2017
Earlier this year, BMW debuted the M4 CS, a car designed to sit between the Competition Package and the ultra-hardcore M4 GTS. Of course, bringing back the CS designation, which stands for Coupe Sport, got our hopes up for a return of the CSL, the Coupe Sport Light. BMW M boss Frank Van Meel just told us that this is actually happening for future M cars.
Van Meel said that the CSL designation will replace GTS on the four-rung hierarchy of M cars, which starts with the base model then progresses to Competition Pack, CS, then CSL. Like the GTS, CSLs will be BMW M's most hardcore offerings.
"CSL [will be] the top-of-the-line track tool, made on the track for the track, just with a number plate," Van Meel said. With a CSL, you can expect cup tires, coilover suspension, a roll cage, water injection, and a fire extinguisher. Van Meel says that the CS on the other hand is "also a track tool, but with four seats," and more emphasis on comfort.
Now, Van Meel couldn't tell us what future M cars will get the CSL designation—it's typical for automakers to decline comment on future products—but he did say we'll never see an X5 M CSL. Given recent spy photos and rumors, we suspect that an M2 CSL might be a real possibility. Either that, or BMW M is developing Competition Pack and CS versions of its smallest car.
Van Meel is also open to four-door M cars with CSL branding, even if they aren't coupes. So perhaps we could see an M3 or M5 CSL, though the latter would be an odd choice for making an all-out track car.
Enthusiasts will no doubt be happy about the return of the CSL name, but it also adds pressure to BMW M. The only two cars in its history to have that badge, the 3.0 CSL and the E46 M3 CSL, are among BMW's most beloved cars. Any future CSL has a lot of legacy to live up to.
(source: here)