GM suing Ohio company over Corvette replicas

Back in 1963, General Motors had originally planned to build 125 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport roadsters for competition in world championship racing. However, in early 1963, GM Chairman Frederic Donner canceled production after five units were built.

However, an Ohio company by the name of Mongoose Motorsports LLC started producing replica versions that sell for less than $90,000. GM is now suing the Cuyahoga Falls company, which specializes in building replica 1984-88 GTP models and the legendary Grand Sport. The lawsuit was filed earlier this month in the U.S. District Court.

The lawsuit is a move by GM to protect valuable and lucrative trademark rights to an iconic brand that is highly popular with enthusiasts. The Detroit automaker is suing for trademark infringement and claims that the brand has been harmed by the production of the replicas, which it says is a copy of Corvette’s design.

GM says it wants the judge to bar the company from making and selling models, order the destruction of all labels, signs and ads bearing the Corvette name. It also want to let the judge to let it inspect Mongoose’s office and financial records.

Mongoose’s operation manager Gary Krause Jr. said he was unaware of the lawsuit until being contacted by The Detroit News.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News