---
title: "Copycat Classic Mini Design Patent Gets Rejected in China"
description: "Beijing Estek Technology's attempt to patent the classic Mini design was shut down by BMW, who owns the design after acquiring Rover in 1996."
date: "2023-02-09"
modified: "2023-02-09"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/copycat-classic-mini-design-patent-gets-rejected-in-china"
categories:
  - "Mini News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
---

# Copycat Classic Mini Design Patent Gets Rejected in China

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/09/chinese-mini-copy-lead.jpg>)
*\<em\>Chinese State Intellectual Property Office\</em\>*

Beijing Estek Technology, a Chinese company involved in semiconductor production according to *Datasheets.com*, has failed in its attempt to patent the classic Mini design, *[Carscoops](<https://www.carscoops.com/2023/02/chinese-company-fails-in-bid-to-copyright-classic-mini-shape-for-new-ev/>)* reported. The denial was issued after the owner of the classic Mini's design, BMW, objected to the application.

China’s State Intellectual Property Office made the decision. It has previously ruled [in favor](<https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/22/jaguar-land-rover-wins-landmark-case-against-chinese-evoque-copycat>) of other Western automakers whose patented designs were infringed upon by domestic Chinese companies—but not always. Automakers in China have made copies of the [Ford Bronco](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/34938/oh-dear-a-chinese-automaker-has-already-copied-the-ford-bronco>) and [C1 Corvette](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/36796/chinas-blatant-corvette-c1-copy-headlines-electric-retro-concepts-from-beijing-motor-show>), to name a few. One even created a [miniature version of the Toyota Tundra](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-chinese-toyota-tundra-ripoff-is-a-three-cylinder-truck-named-the-tundar>) that is, and I'm not joking, called the "Tundar."

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/09/chinese-mini-copy-inline-A.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/09/chinese-mini-copy-inline-B.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/09/chinese-mini-copy-inline-C.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/09/chinese-mini-copy-inline-D.jpg>)

Chinese car publication *AutoHome* also reported the news, although it provides little information about Beijing Estek Technology or the content of BMW's complaint. BMW, for those who don't know, acquired MINI in 1996 as a part of its acquisition of the Rover group. The classic Mini was produced in some form from 1959 until October 2000. As a result, BMW owns the design.

Beijing Estek Technology allegedly planned to revive the car as an EV with a front-mounted electric motor, although the details are so sketchy that I might as well have been the one to apply for the patent. The images contained in the patent appear to be doctored photographs of an actual Mini as opposed to a digital drawing which would be more typical in American and European patents.

The Chinese company has three months to appeal the decision before the matter is formally settled.

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## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)