Mercedes-Benz will have to disable the Airscarf feature of its cars sold in Germany. According to a source, the three-pointed star marque had to do the drastic move to prevent being penalized under the law. That’s because it so happened that the technology had already been patented by another party. Based on a court ruling, Mercedes is using a technology that was patented in 1996.

Basically, Airscarf can be found in the convertible models of Mercedes like the SL, SLK, SLC, and the cabriolet versions of its sedans. It provides heating during cold weather via a vent in the seats that produces hot air around the neck area. Although Mercedes owns the rights to use the name “Airscarf,” it has no right to use the technology.

Mercedes car owners who already had the feature installed prior to the court ruling are spared. However, all cars leaving Mercedes dealerships after the judgment of the court need to have their Airscarf disabled.

Aside from barring the use of the neck heating device, the court also ordered the company to remove Airscarf from all its ads. Furthermore, the ruling stated that Mercedes must pay the patent holder an undisclosed amount. The failure of Mercedes to comply with the decision of the court would result to fines not lower than €250,000.

Despite the heavy blow to the company, the report noted that the patent is already set to expire in December of this year. Therefore, Mercedes can continue offering the feature as early as January next year.