Volkswagen trademarks: expansion into trademark classes, 1970–2024
Video: how Volkswagen extended its South African trademarks into new classes from 1970 to 2024 – from vehicles, construction & repair, toys & sports goods into new fields. 32 of 45 classes, 658 trademarks. South African trademark statistics by Sibanda & Zantwijk.
Transcript
- Before 1970, Volkswagen already used 3 classes, including class 7 machines, class 12 vehicles, class 21 kitchenware.
- 1972: Volkswagen moves into class 37 construction & repair.
- 1974: Volkswagen moves into class 36 finance & insurance.
- 1980: Volkswagen moves into class 25 clothing.
- 1985: Volkswagen moves into class 35 advertising & retail.
- 1990: Volkswagen moves into class 9 electronics & software; class 41 education & entertainment; class 42 tech & IT services.
- 1995: Volkswagen moves into class 45 legal & security.
- 1996: Volkswagen moves into class 3 cosmetics & cleaning; class 8 hand tools; class 14 jewellery & watches; class 16 paper & print; class 27 carpets; class 28 toys & sports goods; class 34 tobacco.
- 1998: Volkswagen moves into class 2 paints; class 4 oils & fuels; class 5 pharmaceuticals; class 6 metal goods; class 18 leather & bags; class 22 ropes & tents; class 24 textiles; class 39 transport & travel; class 43 restaurants & hotels.
- 1999: Volkswagen moves into class 38 telecoms; class 40 processing materials.
- 2003: Volkswagen moves into class 11 lighting & appliances.
- 2006: Volkswagen moves into class 20 furniture; class 30 coffee, flour & sweets.
- By 2024, Volkswagen had trademarks in 32 of the 45 classes.