Yamaha Trademarks Logos for YZF-R9

Signs point to an EICMA announcement

Ever since we first uncovered evidence of a YZF-R7 based on the MT-07, people started to ask when Yamaha would do the same to the MT-09 and release an YZF-R9 sportbike using the same 890cc Crossplane Triple. The questions picked up a few months later when we dug up trademark filings for a whole range of model names from an R2 to an R9.

With the 2023 model launch season in full swing, and EICMA less than two weeks away, we’ve got more fuel for the old rumor engine with two new Yamaha filings, this time for figurative trademarks for “R9” and “YZF-R9.” The trademarks were filed Oct. 17 with Australia’s IP office, for use with “Motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, three-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motor scooters, three-wheeled mopeds and parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods.”

First, a bit of an explainer. Trademarks can cover a number of different forms, but two of the most common are word marks and figurative marks. A word mark is exactly what you expect, a way to protect the use of a word, or a name. A figurative mark is a stylized depiction of words, protecting how the words look, and are typically used to protect logos. A “YZF-R9” word mark protects the use of the name of a motorcycle. A “YZF-R9” figurative mark protects what the name looks like on the motorcycle’s livery.

And while word marks don’t always end up in a finished product, figurative marks are usually a different matter. Figurative marks tend to be filed closer to a finished product being ready for launch, as the logos are typically one of the last things you prepare, long after all the market research, engineering, prototyping, and testing are complete.

The timing of the trademark filings would therefore suggest that a YZF-R9 reveal is imminent. An EICMA reveal is a logical assumption for a highly anticipated model like the R9.

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