In a landmark legal case that underscores the complex world of digital communication and contract law, a German Ferrari dealer learned an expensive lesson about the nuanced interpretation of messaging emojis. The case centered on a Ferrari SF90 Stradale, a hyper-advanced hybrid supercar representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering, which became the focal point of an intricate legal dispute that would ultimately hinge on a single grimacing emoji.
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is no ordinary supercar. With a staggering 986 horsepower derived from a combination of a 4.0-liter V8 engine and three electric motors, this plug-in hybrid can accelerate from 0-62mph in a mere 2.5 seconds.
Its cutting-edge design includes active aerodynamics and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, making it one of the most technologically advanced road cars ever produced. Priced at over $600,000 with custom specifications, this vehicle represents a statement of automotive excellence.
The legal saga began in November 2020 when a wealthy customer commissioned a highly customized SF90 Stradale, paying a substantial deposit of €59,500 (around $62,500). The original delivery timeline was set for the second or third quarter of 2021, with flexibility built into the contract.
However, repeated delays tested the patience of both dealer and customer, transforming what should have been a straightforward luxury purchase into a complex legal battle.
In September 2021, the dealer informed the customer of significant delivery postponement, pushing the timeline to the first half of 2022. The customer responded with an “Oops 😬” emoji—a seemingly innocuous reaction that would become central to the legal proceedings. When the dealer finally suggested a May 2022 delivery date, the customer initially appeared agreeable. However, complications arose when battery issues prevented the car’s delivery, leading the customer to formally withdraw from the purchase contract in June 2022.
The legal battle that ensued was remarkable not just for its subject matter, but for its nuanced examination of digital communication. The Munich Higher Regional Court made a groundbreaking ruling that acknowledged text messages and emojis can potentially modify contractual agreements. Critically, the court determined that the grimacing emoji did not constitute consent to delay, thus validating the customer’s right to terminate the contract.
This case represents more than a dispute over a luxury vehicle; it’s a fascinating exploration of how modern communication technologies intersect with traditional legal frameworks. The court’s careful interpretation of the emoji’s meaning demonstrates a judicial system adapting to the complexities of digital-age interactions. For the Ferrari dealer, it was an expensive lesson in the power of a single digital expression—a grimacing emoji that cost them a sale worth hundreds of thousands of euros.
