Italian court rules Vespa scooter is a work of art, clone is counterfeit
An Italian court has ruled that the Vespa scooter is a work of art, making its unauthorized reproduction a crime. The decision stems from a lawsuit by Piaggio against Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group, which marketed a clone called "Ves" in Italy. The court recognized the Vespa as a "three-dimensional trademark" and an icon of Italian design, protected by copyright. The ruling covers models from 1948 to the 2005 Vespa LX. The fake Ves cannot be sold in Italy, setting a precedent for protecting Italian design.
Key facts
- Piaggio sued Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group for cloning the Vespa scooter.
- The Chinese company marketed a clone called 'Ves' in Italy.
- The court ruled the Vespa is a work of art and a three-dimensional trademark.
- The ruling covers Vespa models from 1948 to the 2005 Vespa LX.
- The fake Ves cannot be commercialized in Italy.
- The court cited the Vespa's presence in museums like the MoMA and Triennale di Milano.
- The decision sets a precedent for protecting Italian design.
- The case was heard at the Tribunale di Torino.
Entities
Artists
- Corradino D'Ascanio
- Audrey Hepburn
- Gregory Peck
Institutions
- Piaggio
- Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group
- Guardia di Finanza
- Tribunale di Torino
- MoMA
- Triennale di Milano
- Ara Pacis
Locations
- Italy
- China
- Pontedera
- Torino
- Roma
- New York
- Milano