Ferrari asserts global rights to the ‘Ferrari Luce’ name as Mazda re‑registers ‘Luce’, sparking an EV trademark clash. Learn the latest developments and what it means for luxury electric supercars. Read more now!
Ferrari has publicly confirmed that it holds worldwide rights to the name Ferrari Luce, a claim that directly challenges Mazda’s recent move to re‑register the “Luce” trademark in Japan. The dispute adds another layer of complexity to Ferrari’s already ambitious debut of its first all‑electric supercar.
Timeline of the Trademark Tug‑of‑War
• 9 February 2024 – Ferrari reveals the interior of its upcoming electric model and simultaneously files a trademark application for “Ferrari Luce” in Italy.
• 4 March 2024 – Mazda submits a fresh trademark registration for “Luce” in Japan, reigniting speculation that the Japanese automaker may contest Ferrari’s naming rights.
• Mid‑March 2024 – Ferrari issues a statement asserting that its international registration pre‑empts any third‑party claim, noting that earlier “Luce” rights held by other manufacturers have expired.
Ferrari’s Position
In a formal press release, Ferrari emphasized that its trademark was secured under international law and that exhaustive prior‑art searches revealed no conflicting claims. The company added that the addition of “Ferrari” to the name mirrors its historic naming conventions, such as the “Ferrari California” and “Ferrari Roma”.
What Mazda Might Be Aiming For
While Mazda has not commented publicly, industry insiders suggest two possibilities:
- Mazda could be positioning “Luce” for a future model line, protecting the name for strategic use.
- It may be preparing to challenge Ferrari’s registration, potentially forcing a renegotiation or a joint‑branding arrangement.
Ferrari Luce EV: Specs and Market Outlook
The upcoming Ferrari Luce is engineered to compete with the most powerful electric hypercars on the market. Key specifications include:
- Four electric motors delivering a 0‑100 km/h (0‑62 mph) sprint in approximately 2.5 seconds.
- Top speed capped at 310 km/h (193 mph).
- A 122 kWh battery pack offering an estimated range of around 530 km (330 miles) on a single charge.
- Fast‑charging capability up to 350 kW, enabling roughly an 80 % charge in 20 minutes.
Originally slated for an October 9, 2025 reveal at Ferrari’s Capital Markets Day, the launch has been delayed as the brand fine‑tunes the vehicle’s technology and design language.
Sales Forecasts and Industry Trends
Back in 2022, Ferrari announced an ambitious target: by 2030, 40 % of its sales would be fully electric. However, the slowdown in global EV demand has prompted a revised outlook. Current projections suggest a balanced mix for 2030 – 40 % internal‑combustion models, 40 % hybrids, and only 20 % pure‑electric units.
Wider Industry Context: Lamborghini’s Shift
As Ferrari grapples with its naming dispute, rival Lamborghini has taken a different route. The Italian marque cancelled its planned all‑electric concept Lanzador, opting instead for a high‑ground‑clearance 2+2 coupe powered by a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) system. This pivot underscores the broader uncertainty among luxury manufacturers about the optimal path to electrification.
What’s Next?
The trademark clash between Ferrari and Mazda is poised to become a landmark case in automotive branding. Legal proceedings, if any, could set precedents for how legacy luxury names are protected in the era of electric mobility.
For now, enthusiasts and investors alike are watching closely: will Ferrari secure the “Luce” name without compromise, or will Mazda force a renegotiation that reshapes the branding landscape for future EVs?