Back in June, we found that Volkswagen’s Czech brand, Skoda, had applied for trademarks within the U.S. in what looked like their first steps into entering the American market. Well, Skoda is one step closer as those trademarks have officially been granted!

Skoda will decide in 2017 whether they will return to the U.S. but, the automaker has been quietly trademarking a number of their European model names. The brand currently has six models in its lineup and will add a large SUV, the “Kodiaq,” in a few months. The Kodiaq could be a good fit for the American market given its size. So far Skoda has registered the Yeti compact suv, the Octavia hatchback, the Superb sedan and its vRS sport trim level, the equivalent of Audi's S lineup.

Skoda's global reach is continuing to grow as the company sets its sights on sales in Iran and South Korea. But, one of the major unconquered markets for the brand remains North America, which Skoda left in the early 1990s due to dwindling sales in Canada. By 2025, Skoda aims to sell cars in 120 markets, almost 20 more than they do today.