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| A render of the Commodore 64 Ultimate: Starlight Edition |
In a dramatic turn of events that pits the past against the present, the legendary Commodore International Corporation (CIC) has reignited its legal engines, filing a significant lawsuit that could reshape the future of the storied brand. The company, a name that evokes powerful nostalgia for the 8-bit computing era, has initiated legal proceedings against Italy-based Commodore Industries S.r.l., alleging that the European firm’s very right to the Commodore name is invalid.
The legal battle, confirmed in filings with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Italian courts on December 13, marks a sharp escalation in a simmering dispute. CIC is seeking nothing less than the complete nullification of Commodore Industries’ trademark registrations and related variants, setting the stage for a transcontinental corporate showdown.
At the Heart of the Dispute: A Question of Legacy
According to the American-based CIC, the roots of this conflict stem from 2017. The company asserts that the trademarks held by Commodore Industries were “improperly issued” by the brand’s custodians at that time. Tensions reportedly boiled over when the Italian entity challenged CIC’s own trademark rights, prompting the current legal offensive.
John Errico, legal counsel for Commodore International, framed the lawsuit as a necessary defense of heritage. “Our decision to pursue this legal action is not taken lightly,” Errico stated in a formal announcement. He emphasized the company’s “deep commitment to safeguarding the brand against unlicensed and unapproved products,” calling the protection of the Commodore trademarks “paramount.”
Errico’s statement sought to speak directly to the brand’s enduring fanbase: “We recognize and deeply value the passion and dedication of the Commodore community, who have kept the spirit of the brand alive for decades. Our goal is to protect the legacy and to foster a positive, creative environment for all who love Commodore, past, present, and future.”
The legal counsel also revealed that this suit follows failed attempts at negotiation. CIC describes months of “good faith” outreach for potential collaborations, overtures that the Italian company allegedly ignored.
A Critical Moment for Product Revival
The timing of this lawsuit is particularly strategic. Commodore International is currently in the midst of a high-profile hardware revival, shipping pre-orders for its C64 Ultimate—a modern reimagining of the iconic Commodore 64. The first batches of the BASIC Beige and Starlight Editions began reaching customers toward the end of 2025.
This product launch represents CIC’s most tangible effort to reconnect with its community and monetize its legacy. A clear and uncontested trademark is crucial for such commercial endeavors, making the legal challenge to Commodore Industries a potentially make-or-break move for the brand’s future plans.
For those eager to experience a slice of modern Commodore nostalgia, the earlier C64 Maxi Micro Console remains available.
Buy the C64 Maxi Micro Console on Amazon
What Comes Next?
As the legal wheels begin to turn, Commodore International has stated it will refrain from further public comment on the ongoing proceedings. However, the company did offer a glimpse into its future roadmap, announcing an official “Licensing Pipeline tool” set to launch in the coming weeks. This portal is designed for “parties interested in creating officially licensed Commodore products and experiences” to begin formal conversations with CIC.
This move signals a clear intent to consolidate control and build a structured, authorized ecosystem around the Commodore name—a direct contrast to the unlicensed use it is now challenging in court.
For further detailed reporting on the initial filings, you can read the coverage from Time Extension.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched not only by retro computing enthusiasts but also by intellectual property experts. It poses a fundamental question: who truly holds the keys to a dormant tech giant’s legacy? The answer will determine whether Commodore’s comeback is a unified renaissance or a fragmented battle for a beloved name. Stay tuned.
This article is based on official statements and legal filings. We will provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.