Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s also one of the quickest routes to a lawsuit.
BMW recently told Hagerty that it is “examining legal action” against a Chinese company that has filed patents for an electric vehicle that bears a striking resemblance to the classic Mini.
Below are some images from said patent. Do you think the automaker has a case?
A patent rendering by Beijing Estech Technology Co. that looks a lot like the classic Mini. Photo by Beijing Estech Technology Co. via Hagerty
Car News China was the first to spot the patent renderings from Beijing Estech Technology Co. and point out their likeness to the iconic British small car. The proposed EV’s silhouette is a dead ringer for the old two-door compact, complete with an old-timey antenna and alloy wheels. The main notable difference is the presence of what looks to be a battery pack hanging out under the vehicle’s floor.
The full note from BMW to Hagerty reads, “For the BMW Group, responsible and lawful conduct is an integral part of corporate values and a global guiding principle. We are examining legal action in connection with the targeted design protection of the classic Mini in China. Please understand that the company will not comment further at this point in time.”
Should the German automaker pursue legal action, it won’t be the first time a Western brand has brought a Chinese copycat to court. Jaguar Land Rover successfully sought a cease production order of the Jiangling Landwind X7, which courts ruled was too similar to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
But plenty of automotive knockoffs do get made in China, including a gas-powered Mini Cooper look-alike, the Lifan 330, that is actually sold in multiple international markets.
Keyword: This is not a classic Mini Cooper—it's a new Chinese EV