^^ Second that.

I did not researched further, but one should not be fooled by the word "brand". Legally (at least in Europe, but it's from what I know the same everywhere) a brand is not a name like "Oldsmobile".

This is a commercial name, and it is protected by the fact that you use it. No need to declare it to any organisation, or to pay every 10 or 20 years to protect it. You created it, and use it, and it's well-known, so it's protected. (if it's only known in your city it will only be protected in this area, but Oldsmobile is known everywhere so protected everywhere).

So Oldsmobile belongs to GM (they bought it) who does not need to renew the protection.

What has to be renewned is the brand. The brand is the name, logo, motto, specific colour, all what allow you to recognize it as Oldmsobile. This needs to be declared, and renewned periodicly. Otherwise someone will be able to use your colour, etc. But not the name, because it still is protected as a commercial name.

In the case of, say Nike: Nike is the commercial name. It's protected. But the logo, the 'Just Do It", the "Air sole", this is the brand. And this is only protected for a certain period of time, and then needs to be renewed.


I could be wrong, but I think it works like that.

And furthermore, Toyota does not use other brands to expand itself!

BTW, it's a great April Fools!! Funny! GM could not be very pleased though... it's making them appear like fools not able to maintain their rights...