Classic car dealer in Mettmann: search due to trademark infringement!

Classic car dealer in Mettmann: search due to trademark infringement!

In Mettmann, a 75-year-old classic car dealer is causing a stir. There is suspicion of trademark infringement because since 2022 the dealer is said to have been selling unauthorized replicas of classic cars with the protected emblems of a renowned German luxury brand. These vehicles were not only offered online, but were also advertised with false technical information. This is a clear no-go!

After the Stuttgart-based automobile manufacturer did not respond to the civil lawsuit, criminal proceedings were initiated. On August 8, 2025, the Mettmann criminal police conducted a search of the dealer, based on an order from the Wuppertal district court. With success: two relevant vehicles were seized and the dealer is no longer allowed to sell the replica with the protected badges. All emblems, coats of arms, lettering and relevant documents were examined and secured.

Trademark infringements in the classic car trade

The legal aspects of classic car trading are anything but simple. Loud SLB Law Brand owners like Ferrari are becoming increasingly active when it comes to combating replicas. These replicas, also known as replicas, are often manufactured on modern chassis. However, they are not legally original, even if original parts are used. This is very different from restored vehicles, where identifying features such as the chassis number and vehicle registration document are retained.

The difference between an original classic car and a fake is fundamental. Counterfeit vintage cars can be manipulated to appear as originals, which can result in criminal and civil penalties. In these cases, it is often legally possible to destroy the counterfeit vehicle if the brand image is at risk.

The development of classic car law

A look at the legal framework shows that case law in classic car law has grown from a wide variety of civil law decisions. That's how it is Classic car lawyer Hamburg pointed out that in the past civil courts had to resort to general legal provisions due to the lack of specific laws for classic cars. A point of view that came increasingly into focus in the 60s and 90s.

The most important judgments, such as those of the Federal Court of Justice, illustrate the differences between original and replicated classic cars as well as the relevance of condition ratings when selling. These rulings provide greater clarity about the obligations of car dealers and the conditions of sale of such special vehicles.

The current investigation in Mettmann is another example of how the legal system acts to protect buyers from misleading counterfeits. So it remains to be seen how this story will develop and what consequences the retailer will ultimately have to bear.