In November, the court found that Mahinda did infringe the trade dress of the Jeep as defined by six specific design elements, but not the trademarked seven-slot grille. As a result, the court recommended blocking Mahindra from importing its Roxor kits and vehicle components to the company’s Auburn Hills, Michigan facility (located just a few files from FCA US HQ) that assembles the vehicles for distribution, however, both sides asked for a review of the cases in which each one lost the court’s decision.
While the case was being reviewed, Mahindra announced that its Roxor would feature “significant styling changes” for the 2020 model year. The company also stated that it would make additional changes to the design if required by the ITC. The changes included a new grille that looks similar to a 1970’s Toyota Land Cruiser, as well as some powertrain issues like a new 5.38 axle. The updated Roxor has a starting U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) or $16,599.
2019 Mahindra Roxor UTV. (Mahindra).
According to the report, Mahindra has said that its new models aren’t in violation of FCA’s trademarked designs and that FCA is trying to make “a practical monopoly over the import and sale of components used in any boxy, open-topped, military-style vehicle.” On the other side of the coin, FCA expects the Indian manufacturer to “design right up to the line of infringement” and the question of whether to allow the newer models to be sold in the U.S. can be decided later.
Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.
