Trade Fair Injunctions In Germany: Interim Weapon Against
Product Plagiarism
The opening of the 2007 International Motor Show in
Frankfurt, Germany was clouded by intense discussions on
product plagiarism. Before the fair, a Chinese car manufacturer
had announced that it would display two models that show
striking similarities to BMW's X5 and
DaimlerChrysler's Smart cars. They only refrained from
exhibiting after the threat of legal action by the German car
manufacturers and massive public pressure.
Plagiarism is increasingly a problem faced by manufacturers
of high quality goods who normally protect their products by
means of registered design and trade marks. For the avoidance
of further damage to the brand, it is advisable for the right
owners to stop their competitors' activities as quickly
as possible. Under German law, interim injunctions are a very
effective tool for dealing with the problem.
