Ford Thinks Lynk & Co Sounds Way Too Much Like Lincoln

Last year, Chinese automaker Geely launched a new car company called Lynk & Co. The company revealed its first car, an electric SUV called the 01, back in October, promising to begin sales in China in 2017 before expanding to the U.S. and Europe in 2018. But American sales may have to wait if Ford has anything to say about it.

Automotive News reports that the American automaker intends to block Geely’s trademark application because “Lynk & Co” sounds a lot like “Lincoln.” Ford has obtained an extension from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to challenge the application and now has until November 15 to do so.

“The Lincoln brand has a rich 100-year history and we intend to protect its reputation,” a Lincoln spokesperson told Automotive News in an email. “Lynk & CO is infringing on the Lincoln . . . trademark and we are taking legal actions to prevent them from using their infringing mark. Their name as it stands will confuse customers.”

And, well, Ford certainly has a point. The names are different in print, but when you say them out loud (or in your head), it could be easy to get confused.

We’ve reached out to both automakers and are awaiting comment.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

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