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Notable UK Trademark
ROLLS-ROYCE (Engines)
Rolls-Royce has been registered in the UK for engines and motors in Class 7 since the early twentieth century. Following the company's nationalisation in 1971 due to the financial strain of developing the RB211 jet engine, the automotive and aero-engine businesses were separated — creating one of trademark law's most complex split-ownership situations, eventually resolved with BMW licensing the name for cars while Rolls-Royce plc retained it for engines.
Classes7, 12
StatusRegistered
On the register29+ years
Current ownerRolls-Royce plc
UK IPO Record
Brand History & Trademark Analysis
Class 7 — Machinery
Rolls-Royce has been registered in the UK for engines and motors in Class 7 since the early twentieth century. Following the company's nationalisation in 1971 due to the financial strain of developing the RB211 jet engine, the automotive and aero-engine businesses were separated — creating one of trademark law's most complex split-ownership situations, eventually resolved with BMW licensing the name for cars while Rolls-Royce plc retained it for engines.
Following the company's nationalisation in 1971 due to the financial strain of developing the RB211 jet engine, the automotive and aero-engine businesses were separated — creating one of trademark law's most complex split-ownership situations, eventually resolved with BMW licensing the name for cars while Rolls-Royce plc retained it for engines.
Nice Class 7 covers machinery. View all Class 7 trademarks and case studies →
Class 12 — Vehicles
The ROLLS-ROYCE trademark for motor cars has been registered in the UK since 1907, filed with the British Patent Authorities. The mark became the subject of one of trademark law's most complex ownership disputes when Volkswagen bought Rolls-Royce Motors in 1998 but discovered the name was controlled by Rolls-Royce plc, the aero-engine maker. BMW ultimately licensed the name for £40 million, acquiring the right to use it for cars from 2003.
BMW ultimately licensed the name for £40 million, acquiring the right to use it for cars from 2003.
Nice Class 12 covers vehicles. View all Class 12 trademarks and case studies →