In September 2023, two trademarks for a DJI Defence logo, not related to DJI in any way, were filed with the Trademark Office of China by Anhui Isuzu Commercial Modified Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
UPDATE: A DJI spokesperson has shared the following statement with us.
DJI has no relationship with Anhui Isuzu Commercial Modified Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. or the pending trademark “DJIDEFENCE” filed by this entity. We believe “DJIDEFENCE” infringes our registered trademark “DJI” and we are taking actions against it.
DJI Spokesperson
DJI Defence trademarks
Looking at the logo above we can see what looks to be the DJI logo next to the word ‘DEFENCE’ in a slightly different font. After going over the DJI logo and comparing it to DJI’s own logo it appears to be identical. Both applications were also accepted in October 2023.
The trademarks, filed under application number 74381146 and 74359170 cover two goods and services classifications, with the full list for each as follows:
74381146 – Classification 9
- Computing machines
- Data processing equipment
- Downloadable computer programs
- Signal bells
- Materials testing instruments and machines
- Fire-extinguishing equipment
- Radiation equipment for industrial use
- Accident, radiation and fire protection clothing
- Accident protection devices for personal use
- Batteries
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, Classification 9 is a good and includes mainly apparatus and instruments for scientific or research purposes, audiovisual and information technology equipment, as well as safety and life-saving equipment.
74359170 – Classification 42
- Mechanical engineering
- Integrated circuit design
- Semiconductor design
- Research and development of new products for others
- Biological research
- Vehicle performance testing
- Packaging design
- Architectural design
- Computer programming
- Graphic design
While Classification 42 is related to a service and includes mainly services provided by persons in relation to the theoretical and practical aspects of complex fields of activities, for example, scientific laboratory services, engineering, computer programming, architectural services or interior design.
Anhui Isuzu Commercial Modified Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Upon looking further into 安徽五十铃商用改装汽车制造有限公司, which roughly translates into English as Anhui Isuzu Commercial Modified Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. we find a company that, translated to English, lists itself as a modified car manufacturing; car sales; car rental; car after-sales service, second-hand car brokerage; motor vehicle repair and operation; technical consultation and technical services in the field of intelligent driving; road cargo transportation agency activities; road dangerous goods transportation; general cargo warehousing services (except Hazardous chemicals); transportation cargo loading and unloading activities; social economic consulting; business management consulting; advertising design, production, publishing, agency; import and export of goods or technology.
Out of that large list, one item sticks out, which is technical consultation and technical services in the field of intelligent driving.
What is DJI Defence?
We know DJI has an Automotive branch of its business, and looking at Anhui Isuzu’s website they appear to sell or modify everything from the Isuzu D-MAX pickup truck to Isuzu commercial vehicles such as dump trucks and buses.
This could mean the two companies are working together, integrating DJI Automotive’s technology into Isuzu vehicles for safer driving and advanced capabilitiess. Based on the trademarks being both goods and services related it could also mean that either company are also providing advisory services to one another.
We’ve been unable to find any official information on this, beyond the two trademark applications. And it turns out, DJI has “no relationship with Anhui Isuzu Commercial Modified Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. or the pending trademark “DJIDEFENCE”.“
