The London Taxi Shape Is 'Not A Valid Trademark,' The Court Of Appeal Has Ruled

In a ruling that will come as a blow to the Chinese-owned London Taxi Company, its shape can't be seen as a trademark - meaning we might get a few copycats soon

Matt Kimberley

Updated: 10 Oct 2024

The London Taxi Shape Is 'Not A Valid Trademark,' The Court Of Appeal Has Ruled

The London Taxi Company (now LEVC) has lost its appeal to overturn a ruling blocking it from trademarking the shape of its famous black cab.

The ruling, originally passed in 2016, says that the taxi ‘isn’t distinctive enough,’ but given that it’s an iconic shape known around the world and associated directly with London, we’re fairly sure the Court of Appeal has gone on a literal interpretation of shape rather than using common sense.

Older versions are rare, now, but they are future classics

Deciding that the shape is not a valid registered trademark, the court’s decision means that other taxi makers, like Toyota, for example, can build their own vehicles that look more or less like the recently heavily updated black cab and sell them in British cities without fear of legal reprisals.

Mind you, the price of the new LEVC TX is so steep that it’s maybe not a bad thing that others can imitate it if they want to. Maybe someone can build one for a sensible price.

Source: Auto Express