New trademark filing suggests Ford may be planning a return of the iconic Cobra nameplate for future performance or collector models.
Ford Motor Company has filed a trademark application for the name “Cobra” with both the UK Intellectual Property Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), fueling speculation that the legendary nameplate may soon return to the automaker’s lineup.
The filing, made on April 22, 2025, under number 019176475, covers a broad array of goods and services, including motor vehicles, electric vehicles, chassis, and structural components, as well as toy models and advertising materials. Significantly, it also includes terms such as “classic motor vehicles,” “replica cars,” “continuation cars,” and “collectible cars”—phrasing that suggests Ford may be preparing to revive the Cobra name either as a special edition or heritage-focused offering.
The move has prompted a wave of curiosity among Mustang enthusiasts and automotive industry watchers, who associate the “Cobra” name with Ford’s storied performance history, particularly the Shelby Cobra and the SVT Cobra Mustangs of the 1990s and early 2000s.
While Ford has yet to confirm any specific plans related to the trademark, its inclusion of both combustion and electric vehicle classifications indicates that a modern interpretation—possibly an EV or hybrid Cobra—could be under consideration. Alternatively, the mention of “replica” and “continuation” cars raises the possibility of factory-built tribute models aimed at collectors.
This filing comes amid a broader industry trend of reviving iconic nameplates to appeal to nostalgic buyers and bolster brand heritage. With the Mustang entering new markets and evolving into multiple variants—including the all-electric Mach-E—Ford appears poised to re-engage with its high-performance roots.
Whether the Cobra’s return takes the form of a next-gen sports car, a limited-edition classic, or a badge for future electrified performance remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the snake may be ready to strike again.
