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Jeep and Mahindra back in court over copyright claim

Indian car maker Mahindra is hoping to be cleared to continue to sell its latest Jeep-inspired off-roader after making some visual changes.


The US International Trade Commission has agreed to review a complaint lodged by the parent company of Jeep, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), claiming the design of Wrangler look-a-like, the Mahindra Roxor, infringed on its "trade dress".

Last year legal representatives for Jeep convinced an administrative law judge the Mahindra Roxor's round headlights and vertical grille slats (pictured above) could infringe on Jeep's design.

The US International Trade Commission is expected to come to a conclusion in March, though it's worth noting the Mahindra Roxor is not what it used to be.

The front of the Mahindra Roxor has since been redesigned with a horizontal frame around the headlights (pictured below), not dissimilar to the original Toyota LandCruiser FJ series from the 1970s.

It is marketed in the US as an off-road buggy similar to Can-Am- and Polaris-type vehicles as the Roxor no longer meets road legal requirements.

It doesn't even have a windscreen as standard and the spartan interior lacks an airbag, though it does appear to have safety belts. A windscreen and removable roof are optional. The Mahindra website shows drivers wearing helmets and/or safety goggles.

The Mahindra Roxor off-road buggy is priced from US$16,599 ($24,260) in the US. For the North American market it is built in the company's factory in Auburn Hills, just outside Detroit, Michigan.

Vehicles sold in the US are classified as utility terrain vehicles and can only be used on private property or off-road.

The two-seater Roxor is based on the original Willys Jeep, which the Indian automaker had originally made under licence. Over time it has been modified and adapted to Indian needs.

In the US it is powered by a 47kW/195Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and is available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

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