South Africa Case Law

Bayerische Motoren Werker Aktiengesellschaft v Grandmark International (Pty) Ltd and Another (722/12)

Bayerische Motoren Werker Aktiengesellschaft v Grandmark International (Pty) Ltd and Another (722/12) [2013] ZASCA 114; 2014 (1) SA 323 (SCA); 2013 BIP 427 (SCA) (18 September 2013)

Court

Supreme Court of Appeal

Case number

722/12

Judges

Brand, Nugent, Cachalia, Wallis, Swain

The Supreme Court of Appeal held that BMW’s replacement car-part designs were functional, not aesthetic, and that use of “BM” on packaging was descriptive, not infringing.

• Registered Designs
• Aesthetic Vs Functional Designs
• Trade Mark Infringement
• Descriptive Use
• Spare Parts Exception
• Registered-designs