Jaguar Land Rover has lost its long-running Defender trademark dispute with INEOS allowing the look-a-like Grenadier project to continue.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Grenadier 4x4 is set for release in 2021, with the designs showcased to the public earlier this summer. Ratcliffe has aimed the Grenadier squarely at those who missed the original style Defender, saying: “The Grenadier project started by identifying a gap in the market, abandoned by a number of manufacturers, for a utilitarian off-road vehicle. This gave us our engineering blueprint for a capable, durable and reliable 4x4.”
The two companies originally met in court last year, with INEOS winning that round, before JLR lodged an appeal at the High Court, but that was dismissed this week with the judge claiming that the Defender’s shapes weren’t distinctive enough to the general public in order them to be trademarked.
In a brief statement JLR said: “We are disappointed by the judgement, but we respect the decision of the court.”
The Grenadier 4x4 will be on the market next year, with an anticipated price-tag of £40,000 which is less than the new-look Defender which was launched this summer.
The ruling confirms "that the shape of the Defender does not serve as a badge of origin for JLR’s goods," Ineos said in a statement. "We continue with our launch plans and are excited to bring The Grenadier to market in 2021."