Ford finds no use for ‘Splash’ brand name in India

Ford owns the rights to the 'Splash' brand name in India

Ford India registered the brand name ‘Splash’ in India way back in 2002. This is why Maruti Suzuki were forced to rename their global hatchback to Ritz (sold as Splash globally). However, the early registry seems to have been of no use to Ford who have announced that they find no use for the name now. Going forward, Michael Boneham, Ford India President and Managing Director Michael Boneham told that their forthcoming models will use their global names rather than take up country specific names. He declined to comment when asked if Ford would withdraw that name.

Next-gen Ford Ranger (Endeavour) spied testing Jul 2010

Next-gen Ford Ranger pick-up rendering Apr 2010

Hit the jump for more details

Ford had registered the name ‘Splash’ with the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks Registry on August 16, 2002. Later, Suzuki had applied for the trademark registration on December 22, 2005, which was eventually withdrawn. At this point, we would like to add that Ford were forced to rename the Endeavour from its global name ‘Everest’ as that specific name was registered by some other auto manufacturer in India.

[ET]