Mercedes-Benz Destroys Replica of the 300SL

[Don]

Mercedes-Benz Destroys Replica of the 300SL

"The body shape of the legendary gullwing model has been trademarked by Daimler AG. Anyone building, offering or selling replicas of the vehicle is in breach of the Company's rights. This even applies if the replicas do not incorporate any logos or trademarks of the Company. Daimler AG has long taken a tough approach to vehicle replicas."


Mercedes-Benz Destroys Replica of the 300SL Gullwing in Germany after Winning Lawsuit - Carscoop

[bliss]

Interesting.....

I'm surprised that they won the suit. It seems to me that if one has practically any part of an original 300SL, they could build an entire car with available parts, either from MB or some other source - since they own one part. Also, any owner can alter any MB in any way that they want to after purchasing it new or used.

I suppose if some car company decided to manufacturer a knock-off, that would be a problem. Although, more then 1/2 of cars made now look like knock-offs - one needs to get up close to see the badges on most of them to determine the manufacturer. The 1950's was the last good decade for lots of variety.

[Don]

A possible influence on the judgement is the application of the German law to cases of this type:

" After winning a lawsuit against an unnamed company based in Germany that had built an unlawful replica of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "

[Steve Cassani]

"..an unlawful replica..."

What would be an instance of a lawful replica? Would a manufacturer have from Mercedes a license along the lines of the approvals Shelby Licensing has granted, at a fee per unit?

[Don]

Another article on the same subject:

Mercedes destroys knockoff 300SL Gullwing