Report: Hyundai sued by Louis Vuitton over high-end basketball [w/video]

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Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

Hyundai 'luxury' ad - Click above to watch the video after the jump

There probably isn't a day that goes by when an automaker isn't being sued for something. Some suits are extremely serious, while others peg the needle on the frivolity scale. And while Hyundai is flying high on the sales charts right now, the Korean automaker apparently isn't immune to a trip or two the local trademark infringement court.

At question is a Hyundai Sonata commercial that debuted during the Super Bowl that linked the company's new-for-2011 sedan to all things luxurious. About four seconds into the spot, a brown basketball with gold symbols is shown. Forgive us if we didn't immediately notice that the design of the ball is strikingly similar to the colors and symbols of Louis Vuitton, but the world-famous couture company caught on right away. So... are they excited about the free press during the Super Bowl? Not so much.

The Car Connection reports that Louis Vuitton is suing Hyundai because the French purse maker says the Korean automaker tried "to benefit commercially from the fame and renown of the LVM Marks by creating a false association between Louis Vuitton and its automobiles." So, what does LV want for Hyundai's alleged trademark infringement? How about "triple damages, punitive damages, a halt to the alleged infringement, and other remedies." Sounds a lot more expensive than a Louis Vuitton handbag, eh?

We aren't really up to speed on the legal ramifications of trademark infringement, so we aren't about to guess as to whether or not Hyundai will end up paying any fines or settlements. We do think it's a sweet-looking basketball, though, and Louis Vuitton should talk to Hyundai about borrowing that design so they can sell a few $300 $2,300 b-balls. If you don't remember the commercial in question, hit the jump to see it for yourself.

[Source: The Car Connection | Image: Louis Vuitton]Continue reading Report: Hyundai sued by Louis Vuitton over high-end basketball [w/video]
Report: Hyundai sued by Louis Vuitton over high-end basketball [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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