Aston Martin Lagonda Appeals High Court Ruling in Geely Trademark Dispute

Aston Martin Lagonda has lodged an appeal in London’s High Court over a trademark ruling that forced it to pay £2,200 to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The dispute, dating back to Geely’s 2022 attempt to register a wing‑style logo, centers on whether the design infringes Aston Martin’s iconic wings. After a September 2025 hearing and a March 2026 judgment dismissing Aston Martin’s claim, the company is now back in court to defend its brand.

Why it matters:

• Brand protection: The outcome will set a precedent for how aggressively the sport’s luxury marques can guard their visual identity.
• Legal costs: An appeal prolongs litigation and adds expense, potentially diverting resources from the F1 programme.

The details:

• Timeline:
  • Aug 12 2022 – Geely files a trademark application for a wing‑inspired logo.
  • Jan 27 2023 – Aston Martin opposes, citing infringement of its wing motif.
  • Sep 10 2025 – Hearing; Geely argues that wing designs are common (e.g., Bentley, Mini).
  • Mar 16 2026 – Court dismisses Aston Martin’s case, orders £2,200 payment to Geely.
  • Apr 13 2026 – Aston Martin files appeal in the Chancery Appeals Division.
• Legal arguments: Aston Martin contends the wings are a distinctive trade‑mark integral to its luxury and motorsport image, while Geely points to broader industry use as a defense.
• Stakeholder response: Aston Martin’s spokesperson declined comment beyond a standard statement on protecting its IP; RacingNews365’s attempts to reach legal counsel on both sides have so far yielded no reply.

What's next:

The appeal will be heard later this year. A ruling in Aston Martin’s favour could reinforce strict protection of automotive icons, while a loss may loosen the grip on wing‑based branding across the industry. Either way, the case underscores the growing importance of intellectual‑property battles in Formula 1’s commercial landscape.