NBCUniversal lost a bid in California federal court on Thursday to defeat a trademark lawsuit over its use of the iconic DeLorean from “Back to the Future” on merchandise and tie-ins for the film series.
NBCU failed to convince U.S. District Judge David Carter that it did not infringe DeLorean Motor Co’s trademarks, paving the way for a trial on the trademark claims. Carter ruled that DeLorean lacked standing to claim that NBCU broke its 1989 contract with the carmaker, however.
DeLorean attorney Roger Behle of Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis said the company was looking forward to trial. Representatives for NBCU did not immediately respond to a request for comment.