Ford Motor Company has attempted to register the term ‘inflatable light urban vehicle’ (iLuv) by filing an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The company has also filed a separate application for the acronym ‘iLuv’, which it did on the same day in March, and said both the terms are intended to be used with cars.
Car manufacturers like Ford and researchers are exploring ways to bring in small folding cars that can fit into smaller bays in parking lots – the type usually used for scooters.
Ford could have trademarked the name to be used in conjunction with this type of model but the application does not have any bearing on when the new car will be released. Companies usually apply for trademarks much earlier than they launch any product and sometimes they simply take them out on prospective ideas that may or may not be developed.
By applying for the trademark now, it means Ford has complete control of the name and have more brand protection as a result.