Ferris Bueller fans will have something to twist and shout about this January as Ferrari's F430-based GT California is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show. An astute World Car Fans reader found further evidence to support the suspicion at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office's website. There it was discovered that Ferrari had applied for a trademark patent on the words "Ferrari GT California" back in December of 2006. It was then noticed by the site Motor Authority that the application had been denied on a preliminary basis. Ruh-roh. While no reason for the refusal was cited, MA speculates that it may have something to do with the similarly named Ford Mustang GT California Special model. While it's clear (at least to us) that these two names are using the words "GT California" in different ways, the USPTO may be looking for some more evidence that Ford doesn't already have a lock on "GT California". Hopefully the matter has been cleared up or will be by New Year's, as we've become impatient for a new Ferrari to hopelessly want but never own. [Source: World Car Fans, Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mkM3 @ Oct 4th 2007 7:07PM
I know this is the smallest Ferrari, but I hear there's plenty o' room in the GT California.
akatsuki @ Oct 4th 2007 7:50PM
So the new Dino is the new California instead? It better be just as good looking!
Yago Bal @ Oct 4th 2007 7:50PM
It's not based on the F430: the F430 has a mid-rear engine layout, while the GT California has a mid-front layout, and an aluminium frame... With the data we already know, it will not share a thing with the F430, besides the engine (even if it will be extensively reworked, with Bosch's direct injection).
Dave @ Oct 4th 2007 7:51PM
Its probably the GT250 California that Ferrari is aiming at:
http://www.kitcarmag.com/featuredvehicles/5531_ferrari_spyder_replica_kit/index.html
Michael Hall @ Oct 4th 2007 9:11PM
Ferrari's trademark application was not "denied" or, to use the parlance of the PTO, "refused" (and the wording "trademark patent" makes no sense in any event, as these are two distinctly different types of intellectual property). The PTO examining attorney simply raised some informalities in the office action, which happens in the vast majority of U.S. trademark applications. The PTO office action had nothing to do with the Ford Mustang.
You can read the PTO office action and Ferrari's response of 10/1/07 here: http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=79034294
Alex @ Oct 4th 2007 9:19PM
Don't worry Ferrari. Ford is hard up for money, I'm sure they'll sell you the rights to use "GT California".
Michael Hall @ Oct 4th 2007 9:23PM
Simply put, Ferrari does not need Ford's permission.
W57thNY @ Oct 5th 2007 8:52AM
"GT California" will forever conjure up memories of Ferrari, and only Ferrari.
Jeremy Clarkson @ Oct 6th 2007 2:32AM
hopefully it'll have better looking than Maserati GT