Shelby and Factory Five Racing recently went to court because Shelby tried to patent the shape of the Cobra. The United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board felt the shape of the car did not solely belong to Shelby resulting in a victory for Factory Five. Read what Factory Five had to say about the trial after the jump…

“On October 13th, 2010, the court denied his application and our opposition was successful. We felt that if he were to get a trademark on the Cobra shape, his PR machine would use that to make the legitimate replica industry look bad. Our position was that a Shelby trademark would have ignored the factual history of the car, which started life as an AC car with a Ford engine in it, as well as completely discounting the huge contributions that replica guys have made to the car’s continuing legacy since the 1970’s. We have never denied Shelby’s part in history, but he has enjoyed huge popularity, in-part, due to replicas. ”

Looking back, our little company has done more than anyone ever to secure this car for all. Factory Five Racing and our customers have made such a huge contribution to the industry over the years. Factory Five Racing does not use the word COBRA to describe our products.