Emblem Bentley - one of the most recognizable in the automotive world: a winged sign with the letter "B" in the center is associated with luxury, British chic and premium cars. But what to do if you see a logo that looks like Bentley icon, but clearly does not belong to this brand? Where are such symbols found, what companies use them, and how to avoid becoming a victim of counterfeit or legal problems?
In this article, we will look at all the possible options: from legitimate logos of other brands to counterfeit signs that can be misleading. You will learn how to distinguish an original from a copy, where such emblems are used (not only on cars!) and what legal risks are posed by unauthorized analogues.
Spoiler: some "similar" icons are used quite legitimately - for example, in aviation or even in the fashion world. But there are also those that can result in problems for the owner of a car or business.
1. Official logos similar to the Bentley emblem
Not all icons that resemble Bentley, are fakes. Some brands legally use similar symbols, often due to historical roots or industry traditions. Here are the most famous examples:
- 🚁 Bristol Aeroplane Company - a British aircraft manufacturer whose logo (a winged emblem with the letter "B") is almost identical Bentley. This is not an accident: the company Bentley bought engines from Bristol in the 1920s, and their emblems have common roots.
- 👔 Brooks Brothers is an American clothing brand whose logo (a golden crown with the letter "B") is sometimes confused with a car sign. Here the similarity is purely visual - there is no historical connection.
- ⚡ Brabus - tuning studio for Mercedes-Benz, using a letter "B" in a stylized way. Their logo does not have wings, but the font and layout may resemble Bentley from afar.
- 🏎️ Bugatti (early models) - pre-1930s some emblems Bugatti contained winged elements, which created visual similarity with Bentley. Today their logos are very different.
I wonder what Bentley never sued these brands - their logos are copyrighted but not direct plagiarism. The main difference: the Bentley wings always point up, and the center is occupied by the letter "B" with a crown (symbol of victory in races Le Mans).
If you see such a sign on a car, first check the brand: it may not be a fake, but a legitimate logo of another manufacturer. For example, on old Bristol Cars (which are no longer produced) the emblem is almost identical Bentley, but this is an original sign.
2. Fake Bentley emblems: how to recognize?
Counterfeit badges Bentley - a common problem, especially in countries with weak intellectual property controls. Fraudsters copy the logo for several reasons:
- 💰 Sale of counterfeit spare parts or accessories (steering wheel covers, nameplates).
- 🚗 Re-marking of cars (for example, on Volkswagen Passat glue icon Bentley, to pass it off as a premium model).
- 🎭 Creation of “replicas” of premium cars for filming in movies or music videos.
How to distinguish an original from a fake:
- Material: original emblems Bentley are made of metal with chrome plating or anodizing. Counterfeits are often plastic, with rough paint.
- Fastening: the factory mark is attached with rivets or special clips. Counterfeits usually have double-sided tape or superglue.
- Details: on the original the wings have clear feathers, the letter "B" voluminous, and the crown is detailed. Copies often have blurry outlines.
- Color: This badge has a deep black background color and a silver/golden metal tone. Fakes are faded or have uneven coloring.
☑️ Checking the Bentley emblem for authenticity
⚠️ Attention: In Russia and the CIS countries, fake emblems are often sold in spare parts markets or in online stores like AliExpress. Purchasing and installing such a sign on a car may result in a fine for illegal use of a trademark (Article 14.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
3. Where else can you find “Bentley-like” badges?
Winged emblems with letter "B" are used not only in the auto industry. Here are unexpected areas where you can find similar symbols:
| Sphere | Example of a brand/organization | Differences from Bentley |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation | Bristol Aeroplane, Boeing (early logos) | The wings are stylized as a propeller, there is no crown |
| Fashion | Brooks Brothers, Burberry (old collections) | The letter "B" is inscribed in a crown or wreath, no wings |
| Sports | Club Barcelona (football), Boston Bruins (hockey) | Use the letter "B" without wings, different font |
| Technique | Bose (audio), BlackBerry (old logo) | Minimalistic design, no volumetric elements |
Fun fact: in the 1990s, the company Bentley I even sued the manufacturer bicycles, who used a similar logo. The claim was upheld - the court recognized that the bicycle logo could mislead buyers.
If you find the badge on a non-automotive product (such as a watch or bag), check:
- 🔍 Does the brand have an official trademark registration?
- 📜 Is the manufacturer indicated on the back of the product?
- 🌍 Is the product sold in official stores? Bentley (they produce accessories, but always with branding).
If you doubt the authenticity of a badge, take a photo and check it through a reverse image search service (for example, Google Lens or Yandex.Pictures). This will help you find the original source.
4. Legal risks of using “similar” emblems
In Russia and most countries of the world, it is illegal to use a trademark Bentley (or copies thereof) is punishable by law. Here are the key points:
- 📜 Civil liability: The brand owner may demand compensation from 10,000 to 5,000,000 rubles (Article 1515 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
- 🚔 Administrative responsibility: Fine up to 50,000 rubles for individuals and up to 200,000 rubles for legal entities (Article 14.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
- ⚖️ Criminal liability: If the counterfeit caused damage of more than 250,000 rubles, a criminal offense is possible (Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) with imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Case studies:
- In 2019, a car service center in Moscow was fined for pasting badges Bentley on Audi A8 according to customers' orders. The fine amounted to 150,000 rubles.
- In 2021, a batch of Chinese phone cases with a badge was confiscated in St. Petersburg Bentley. The seller paid 80,000 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: Even if you bought a car with a fake emblem already installed, you can be fined for use of counterfeit products. To avoid problems, ask the seller for documents confirming the legality of the mark.
What should you do if you are accused of using a counterfeit sign?
1. Ask the plaintiff for evidence of the violation (photo, examination of the emblem).
2. Check if the mark is registered Bentley in your country (via Rospatent).
3. If the emblem was installed by the previous owner of the car, provide a sales contract.
4. Contact a lawyer - often claims can be reduced or disputed.
5. How to remove a non-original emblem from a car?
If you find a fake sign on your car Bentley (for example, after purchasing a used car), it needs to be deleted. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Fastening assessment: Check whether the emblem is held on by rivets, glue or bolts. The removal method depends on this.
- Heating (for adhesive marks): Use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the glue. Temperature - 60–80°C, not higher (the paintwork may be damaged).
- Removal:
- For rivets: Drill them out using a drill with a thin bit.
- For glue: pry the sign with a plastic spatula (not metal!) and carefully remove.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use acetone or aggressive solvents - they may damage the paint! To test, apply the product to an inconspicuous area of the body.
If the emblem was glued long ago, condensation could have accumulated under it, which led to corrosion. In this case, after removing the sign, treat the area anti-corrosion primer and coat with clear varnish.
The safest way to remove the emblem is to contact a car service. Cost of the service: from 500 to 2,000 rubles, depending on the complexity.
6. Is it legal to use a badge that looks like a Bentley?
Yes, but only under strict conditions. Here are the legal ways:
- 🎨 Parody or work of fiction: If the mark is used for satire, art or educational purposes (for example, in a cartoon), it is permissible according to the principle fair use.
- 🏢 Agreement with Bentley Motors: The company sometimes gives permission to use the logo for events, filming or souvenirs. You need to write an official request.
- 🛠️ Personal use without commerce: For example, if you made a badge for your garage or car model, it is not a violation if you do not sell it.
Examples of legal use:
- Football club Brentford (England) uses a stylized bee with the letter "B", which vaguely resembles Bentley, but is not a copy.
- Artist Banksy in one of the works the logo was parodied Bentley, replacing the wings with a propeller. The company did not sue because it was considered art.
If you want to use a similar sign for business, be sure to:
- Consult a patent attorney.
- Register your logo with Rospatent (cost - from 10,000 rubles).
- Make sure your sign is different from Bentley at least 30% (this is a uniqueness criterion).
7. Where can I buy original accessories with the Bentley logo?
If you need branded badges, nameplates or accessories Bentley, buy them only from official sources:
- 🏬 Bentley dealerships: In Russia it is Bentley Moscow (Usacheva St., 33) and Bentley St. Petersburg (Ligovsky Ave., 50).
- 🌍 Official website: bentleymotors.com (section
Accessories). - 🛍️ Authorized stores: For example, Bentley Boutique in Dubai or Harrods in London (they sell watches, bags and clothing with the logo).
Cost of original emblems:
| Accessory type | Price (RUB) | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Radiator emblem (metal, chrome) | 12 000 – 18 000 | Dealer center |
| Steering wheel cover with sign | 8 000 – 15 000 | Official website |
| Trunk plate (plastic, adhesive backing) | 3 500 – 6 000 | Authorized store |
| Set of emblems for restyling (4 pcs.) | 25 000 – 40 000 | Dealer center |
⚠️ Attention: On Avito and Yule often sell "original" emblems Bentley at a price of 1,000–3,000 rubles. These are 100% fakes - the company does not supply spare parts to the secondary market!
Please check with the seller for the Certificate of Authenticity before purchasing. Original accessories Bentley always come with a hologram and serial number.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Bentley-like badges
Is it possible to put a Bentley emblem on your car if it is not original?
No, this is a copyright violation. Even if you are not selling a car, using someone else's trademark can result in a fine. The exception is if you are participating in a themed event (for example, retro racing) and have received permission from Bentley.
How can you tell the difference between the Bristol and Bentley emblems?
U Bristol wings pointing down (like a propeller), and the letter "B" less elaborate, without a crown. Also on the logo Bristol there is often an inscription AEROPLANE COMPANY in a circle.
What happens if you buy a car with a fake Bentley emblem?
You will not be held responsible if you did not know about the counterfeit. But if a sign is discovered, a traffic police inspector may draw up a report, and the previous owner may be put on trial. To avoid problems, ask the seller for documents for all car modifications.
Is it possible to make a badge that is inspired by Bentley without copying it?
Yes, if you change key elements: for example, use different wings, font or color. The main thing is that the sign is not misleading (not associated with Bentley 80% of consumers). Consult a lawyer before use.
Where else besides cars can you legally see the Bentley logo?
The company licenses its mark for:
- Hours (Breitling for Bentley).
- Clothing and accessories (line Bentley Lifestyle).
- Furniture (leather sofas with logo).
- Alcohol (wine Bentley Champagne).
All these products are sold in branded boutiques or on the official website.