SEAT sues BYD in Europe over Seal and Sealion model naming dispute
SEAT accuses BYD of copying car names similar to SEAT León
SEAT sues BYD in Europe over Seal and Sealion model naming dispute
SEAT has challenged BYD in the EUIPO, claiming that the Seal and Sealion names are too close to SEAT and León. The case highlights rising tensions with Chinese automakers in Europe.
2025-08-24T23:54:00+03:00
2025-08-24T23:54:00+03:00
2025-08-24T23:54:00+03:00
Spanish automaker SEAT has filed an opposition in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) against BYD, targeting the registration of several model names — BYD Seal, Sealion, Seal S and Seal U. SEAT argues that these names are confusingly similar to its own brand name and to its iconic León model, especially in the case of «Sealion.»
The timing is significant. BYD’s sales have been booming in Europe, with Spain becoming a key market. From January to July 2025, BYD registered more than 12,300 vehicles in Spain, surpassing Germany. This rapid growth is putting added pressure on local brands, making the naming conflict even more sensitive.
According to Spanish newspaper El Economista, EUIPO has already forwarded SEAT’s arguments to BYD, which now has until mid-October to respond. If the case escalates, it could set a precedent for European carmakers defending their intellectual property against aggressive Chinese expansion.
Beyond the courtroom, SEAT is also grappling with the European Commission’s tariffs on China-built models such as the Cupra Tavascan, which has severely cut profitability. Meanwhile, BYD continues to expand, with the Seal U ranking as the third-best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe in the first half of 2025.
In short, SEAT’s legal challenge against BYD is not just about names. It symbolizes the broader struggle of European automakers to safeguard market share and brand identity as Chinese companies rapidly scale their presence across the continent.
SEAT has challenged BYD in the EUIPO, claiming that the Seal and Sealion names are too close to SEAT and León. The case highlights rising tensions with Chinese automakers in Europe.
Michael Powers, Editor
Spanish automaker SEAT has filed an opposition in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) against BYD, targeting the registration of several model names — BYD Seal, Sealion, Seal S and Seal U. SEAT argues that these names are confusingly similar to its own brand name and to its iconic León model, especially in the case of «Sealion.»
The timing is significant. BYD’s sales have been booming in Europe, with Spain becoming a key market. From January to July 2025, BYD registered more than 12,300 vehicles in Spain, surpassing Germany. This rapid growth is putting added pressure on local brands, making the naming conflict even more sensitive.
According to Spanish newspaper El Economista, EUIPO has already forwarded SEAT’s arguments to BYD, which now has until mid-October to respond. If the case escalates, it could set a precedent for European carmakers defending their intellectual property against aggressive Chinese expansion.
Beyond the courtroom, SEAT is also grappling with the European Commission’s tariffs on China-built models such as the Cupra Tavascan, which has severely cut profitability. Meanwhile, BYD continues to expand, with the Seal U ranking as the third-best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe in the first half of 2025.
In short, SEAT’s legal challenge against BYD is not just about names. It symbolizes the broader struggle of European automakers to safeguard market share and brand identity as Chinese companies rapidly scale their presence across the continent.
