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Chevy Nearly Lost the “Bolt” Trademark

(Credit: Chevrolet )

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Chevy Nearly Lost the “Bolt” Trademark

2016 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2016 Chevrolet Bolt EV (Credit: Chevrolet )

On My 27th, Chevrolet was dealt a mild setback on the production version of the Bolt concept car, as the U.S. Patent Office suspended the application for trademark or the name.

The reasoning for the suspension was that it could easily get confused with the “Bolt” name used by Yamaha. Subsequent documents in the USPTO database show that this situation has been resolved or is on the verge of resolution.

On May 27th, GM filed trademark on two slightly modified versions of the name: “Bolt EV” and “Chevrolet Bolt EV.” These were clear attempts to separate the Bolt car from the Bolt motorcycle. Additionally, on May 28th it also amended its initial application and clarified the “Goods and Services” section to include the verbiage “in the nature of cars,” which should eliminate the confusion with the motorcycle brand.

Since the May 28th amendment, there hasn’t been any additional action on the trademark filing. What’s more, the amendment reads, “The consent statement submitted with the Response to Office Action is accepted. Also, as a result of the amendment to the ID below, the possible refusal regarding the prior pending applications is withdrawn.” This leads me to believe that this is no longer an issue.

So, it looks like the Bolt name will live on, either as simply “Bolt” or “Bolt EV.” Some folks may love this, while other may still roll their eyes at GM returning to its uncreative-naming ways. The Volt/Bolt relationship almost reminds me of the creative genius behind replacing the Pontiac Sunbird with the Sunfire.

Naming issues aside, Chevy’s upcoming electric hatchback will reportedly hit the market in 2017 at a starting price just above $35,000. With this price tag, buyers will get at least a 200-mile range, like the Model III it will compete with, but with more accessible dealerships and service.

More details should start rolling out soon, as we are getting mighty close to the unveiling of this new EV, so stay tuned.

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