GREEN and gold may have been Australia’s official national colours since 1984, however local agricultural manufacturers wanting to show their national pride may want to steer clear of the combination.
The U.S. District Court in Kentucky has ruled in favour of Deere and Company in a lawsuit that was filed to protect use of the trademark green and yellow colour combination on John Deere agricultural equipment, the company announced on their website.
The 107 page court decision found for Deere on all claims that agricultural sprayer manufacturer and marketer Fimco Incorporated had infringed on Deere’s trademark for the colour combination.
Deere and Company said the lawsuit was part of an ongoing and vigorous effort to protect the company's trademarks and intellectual property.
“The court ruled that John Deere's green and yellow colour combination qualified as a "famous" trademark since as early as the late 1960s and that Fimco intentionally chose green and yellow to create an association with the John Deere brand,” it said.
Deere stated in the announcement that the court also found that Fimco’s use of green and yellow was likely to cause confusion among purchasers as to whether its agricultural equipment was manufactured by or endorsed by John Deere.
“Fimco and all persons affiliated with the company are permanently enjoined from using the combination of green and yellow colours in the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising or sale of trailed and wheeled agricultural equipment in any locality within the United States,” it said.