Mercedes-Benz Classic in Germany has destroyed a fiberglass 300 SL replica body seized by customs officials after courts ruled that it is not legal to market this body shape, which is trademarked by Daimler AG; this was recently confirmed by the Stuttgart regional court in a 2010 case (no. 17 O 304/10).
The body shape of the W 198 series gullwing Coupe is considered a work of applied art, and has been under copyright protection for decades. Therefore, it?s determined that anyone building, offering or selling replicas of the vehicle is violating the automaker?s rights, even if those replicas don?t incorporate the logos or trademarks of Daimler AG.
A Mercedes-Benz press release elaborates:
?A case had arisen in which a company based in Germany had built an unlawful replica of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198 series). The first step in destroying the replica was to separate the chassis from the body. The Mercedes-Benz used-parts centre, which is also responsible for scrapping all Mercedes-Benz prototypes from the development units, then destroyed the body on behalf of Daimler AG. The certified equipment used in the centre includes two presses, each applying over 30 tonnes of pressure. The replica sports car had a fibreglass body weighing precisely 148 kilograms, which the compressor smashed into small pieces. This dramatic end to the unlawful body was officially documented with a signed and stamped ?confirmation of scrappage?.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said that the company is currently working on the issue of the replicas? legality outside the European Union. So if you?re thinking about buying that gullwing fiberglass mold we featured as a Hemmings Find of the Day a couple months back, you might want to act soon and keep it well hidden.
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