Autec questions this, when starting an invalidity action submitting previous design applications of earlier generations Porsche 911. The Court of First Instance holds that the design freedom is not limited. The shape and contours of the car are almost identical. There are minor differences (e.g. headlights and door-handles). It is irrelevant that Porsche does not wish to deviate too much from its iconic form. The result: the model is invalidated. If you want to claim design protection as a manufacturer, file new applications only for the new parts and not for the complete product.
