Ferrari is no stranger to the courtroom. Over the years, the automaker has taken a hard stance against unauthorized modifications and aftermarket tuners trying to tamper with its vision. Ferrari’s position was clear and aggressive... it claimed ownership rights extended beyond the sale of the car, trying to block customers from modifying, reselling, or even buying certain Ferraris. This has included sending cease and desist letters and attempting to enforce bans on buyers.
But courts have pushed back. One landmark ruling clarified that once a Ferrari leaves the dealership, the company loses any exclusive rights over what happens to that car. Owners have the right to modify, tune, or sell their vehicles without interference from Ferrari. This decision is a crucial check on luxury automakers who might otherwise claim ownership over cars indefinitely. The ruling also struck down Ferrari’s attempts to restrict who could buy its cars on the secondary market, reinforcing buyers’ freedoms.
Ferrari did win notable cases protecting its trademark and design rights. For example, it successfully sued Mansory, a tuning company, for copying bold design elements of the limited-edition FXX K track car on their body kits for street-legal Ferraris. Courts acknowledged that distinct visible parts of a car, like a uniquely shaped bonnet or spoiler, can have protected design rights separate from the whole vehicle. This legal recognition helps brands guard their signature looks from knockoffs.
Yet the difference is clear. Protecting intellectual property elements like designs or logos is legitimate. But trying to exert control over a car’s physical use or aftermarket is a bridge too far. Once the car changes hands, it belongs to the buyer. Ferrari’s attempts to stretch its control beyond the initial sale met legal resistance because they clash with basic ownership rights.
Enthusiasts prize freedom to personalize or sell their prized machines. Automakers want to protect brand identity and maintain exclusivity. Courts are now drawing clearer lines allowing brands to guard what makes their cars special without locking owners into lifelong restrictions.
Ferrari’smight not like it but at the end of the day, the courts favor the owner. After purchase, Ferrari cannot dictate what happens to the car on the road or in the garage.
