Honda Super Cub first vehicle to receive 3D trademark in Japan
Tue, 03 Jun 2014The term "iconic" gets thrown around a lot, but if there was ever a design worthy of the honorific, surely it's the Honda Super Cub. That's not just our opinion, though: it's the official word from the Japanese Patent Office, which has recognized the classic scooter's shape with a three-dimensional trademark.
The category was introduced in Japan back in 1997 to immortalize distinctive designs, and is subject to very strict criteria. In fact, this marks the first time it has been applied to a vehicle – and one of the few industrial products to be awarded the recognition.
Little wonder it was applied to this little wonder, too. With over 87 million units made since its introduction in 1958, Honda claims the Super Cub to be "the world's largest selling vehicle," with production taking place at 15 factories in 14 countries and sales in 160 markets around the world.
HONDA SUPER CUB BECOMES FIRST VEHICLE IN JAPAN TO RECEIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL TRADEMARK
30/05/14
The iconic design and shape of the world's largest selling vehicle, Honda's Super Cub scooter, has been recognised with it becoming the first vehicle in Japan to be granted a three-dimensional trademark.
Introduced in Japan in 1997, three-dimensional trademarks can be granted to a product which has acquired distinctiveness through long and extensive use. Very strict criteria is applied to registrations, and the Super Cub becomes one of very few industrial products to achieve such status.
A key determining factor for the Japan Patent Office when considering the very rare endorsement was the consistent design concept which Honda has maintained with the Super Cub over more than 50 years since it was introduced in 1958; while continuously achieving functional improvements throughout its long history.
The Super Cub is the world's largest selling vehicle, with cumulative worldwide production reaching 87 million units* as of March 2014, and sales across more than 160 countries.
Honda Super Cub production
Honda is currently producing the Super Cub series at 15 production plants in 14 countries around the world; most notably Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, China, Nigeria and Japan. Cumulative worldwide production figures are as follows:
10 million units* - August 1974
50 million units* - December 2005
60 million units* - April 2008
87 million units* – March 2014
By Noah Joseph
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