Tyre manufacturer Michelin has settled a dispute with two rival companies surrounding the design of its tyre treads.
Michelin’s subsidiary, Michelin North America, sued US-based Atturo Tire Corporation and Thai company Svizz-One Corporation earlier this year.
The lawsuit, filed at the US District Court for the District of South Carolina in May, accused the companies of infringing Michelin’s design patent, US D483,322.
The design patent covers the patterns and shape of tyre treads, which are designed to give good grip on wet roads.
Michelin claimed that two models produced by Atturo and Svizz-One, the Atturo AZ600 and the Thunderer Ranger 007, infringed the patent. Atturo’s tyres are manufactured by Svizz-One in Thailand for the US market.
Scott Clark, chief operating officer at Michelin North America, said: “We are pleased with this litigation settlement.
“In addition to recognising the hard work of our employees, Michelin’s patents represent our company’s commitment to providing quality products to our customers.”
The terms of the settlement have been kept confidential.