Ferrari faces dispute with Mazda over rights to use Luce model name

As reported by Carscoops, Ferrari filed an application to register the Luce trademark in Italy on February 9, 2026, announcing the name during the presentation of the interior of the future model. However, just a few weeks later, on March 4, Mazda applied to register the same name in Japan.

Mazda’s legal move is especially symbolic because the Luce name has historical significance for the Japanese brand. From the 1960s to the early 1990s, this was the name of Mazda’s flagship sedan, better known in some countries as the Mazda 929. In 2017, the company even recalled the name with the Vision Coupe concept, which was a stylistic reference to the 1969 Luce Rotary Coupe.

It’s unclear whether Mazda is simply trying to protect its historical heritage or is preparing to make a comeback with an older model. However, the timing of this appears suspicious and could seriously complicate Ferrari’s plans to use the Luce name in key markets.

If Mazda gets its way, Ferrari will have to look for a different name for its electric car, which is scheduled to debut in May. This situation is not unique to the auto industry. Alfa Romeo was recently forced to rename its Milano crossover Junior due to a dispute that the car was not assembled in Italy.

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