Ford continues its run of firing filing to trademark the names of national parks for possible use on its vehicles. Following its submissions for marks such as Big Bend and Badlands—which are among the expected trims for both the 2021 Bronco and the 2021 Bronco Sport—the Blue Oval recently filed for the Everglades name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. What exactly Ford plans to do with the Everglades name is unknown. That said, the filing does list the company’s desire to use it for, “[m]otor vehicles, namely, automobiles, pick-up trucks, electric vehicles, sport-utility vehicles, off-road vehicles, and their structural parts. “
Admittedly, that’s a rather broad statement. Still, the inclusion of “electric” and “off-road vehicles” is rather telling, and could portend the name getting used on battery-powered, off-road-oriented versions of Ford’s trucks and SUVs, including the forthcoming Bronco. In fact, it’s feasible the mark will first find its way to the upcoming battery-electric Ford F-150 pickup truck. Whether the Everglades kit ultimately falls more along the lines of the F-150 Raptor or the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Tremor models remains to be seen.
It’s also possible Ford filed the trademark for the Everglades name simply for no reason other than it could. Companies routinely apply for marks for potential future use or in order to avoid a competitor scooping up a name. Nevertheless, we’re hopeful Ford’s latest trademark application previews the company’s plans to bring EV tech to the off-road-oriented truck and SUV marketplace.