An interesting judgement concerning RAL colour cards dates back to 1998
2 U 102/98, OLG Düsseldorf
Production of a "colour overview map according to RAL" is permissible
http://www.farbkarten.de/news.htm
RAL tries to prevent this - see e.g. fans:
"The RAL colours are displayed exclusively on the basis of the release and approval of RAL gGmbH." "The complete or partial similar or identical production of RAL products may only take place with the express permission of RAL gGmbH. This applies to all products and types of use, both in physical and digital form. It is irrelevant whether this is done for own use or for use by third parties or in the context of any other publication. (...) In order to protect its intellectual property, RAL gGmbH is obliged to legally pursue and prevent unauthorised use. The infringement of industrial property rights and copyrights not only entails consequences under civil law, but also constitutes a criminal offence."
NCS and Pantone also cherish a strict idea of protection. However, RAL's non-profit status also requires it to make the colour standard available to the general public instead of seeing it as a criminal offence for others to publish it for their own economic interest.
The complete judgement can be requested from the author.
