Audi argued that this design constituted a trademark infringement. The case initially unfolded in a Warsaw court where the retailer was the defendant. According to Audi, selling parts that accommodate its logo without permission should be prohibited.
The initial court sought guidance from a higher authority. Thus, the case reached the EU Court of Justice. Here, the top court ruled that using such designs without consent could indeed infringe trademark law. They remarked that "(The shape) is visible to the public wishing to purchase such a spare part. That could constitute a material link between the spare part in question and the proprietor of the AUDI trade mark."
This decision could set a precedent limiting how spare parts manufacturers use similar markings to those of automakers.
However, this is not yet final. The pending decision is now up to the Warsaw court to determine the outcome based on guidance from EU's top judicial body.
Source: Reuters
