Bridgestone wins design patent suit in China
Bridgestone Corporation has won a favourable ruling at a Chinese court in a design patent infringement suit against two local tyre makers, the Japanese company announced.
According to a Bridgestone press release issued today, September 5, the company sued “major Chinese tyre manufacturers” Shengtai Group and Shandong Shengshi Tailai Rubber Technology (SSTRT) in March 2018.
The case related to the studless tread pattern on Bridgestone’s BLIZZAK VRX passenger car tyre. This pattern is the design on the exterior of a tyre.
Bridgestone said that in July this year, the Qingdao Intermediate People’s Court issued a “favourable ruling”, and ordered Shengtai and SSTRT to dispose of the moulds for the infringing tyres.
The court also awarded damages of RMB800,000 ($111,939) to Bridgestone, the Japanese company said.
Bridgestone has been active in litigating its design patents in Chinese courts against local manufacturers.
Today’s announcement comes just weeks after the company revealed a similar victory over two other Chinese companies, Guangzhou South China Tire & Rubber and Wanli Tire.
That suit related to the tread pattern on Bridgestone’s Dueller A/T Revo 2 tyre, which is used on sports utility vehicles.
July’s ruling against Shengtai and SSTRT, meanwhile, was just the latest victory for Bridgestone in a long-running dispute with the Chinese companies.
Bridgestone said that in April this year, it had won another design patent infringement case brought against Shengtai, relating to the tread pattern on Bridgestone’s ST3000 truck tyre.
“Bridgestone takes seriously any unauthorised use or infringement of its patents, trademarks or any other IP,” the Japanese tyre maker said.
“With this level of vigilance, Bridgestone is prioritising the safety and reliability associated with its products and maintaining and enhancing its hard-earned brand value,” it added.
WIPR has contacted Shengtai and SSTRT for comment in response to Bridgestone’s announcement.
Bridgestone Corporation has won a favourable ruling at a Chinese court in a design patent infringement suit against two local tyre makers, the Japanese company announced.
According to a Bridgestone press release issued today, September 5, the company sued “major Chinese tyre manufacturers” Shengtai Group and Shandong Shengshi Tailai Rubber Technology (SSTRT) in March 2018.
The case related to the studless tread pattern on Bridgestone’s BLIZZAK VRX passenger car tyre. This pattern is the design on the exterior of a tyre.
Bridgestone said that in July this year, the Qingdao Intermediate People’s Court issued a “favourable ruling”, and ordered Shengtai and SSTRT to dispose of the moulds for the infringing tyres.
The court also awarded damages of RMB800,000 ($111,939) to Bridgestone, the Japanese company said.
Bridgestone has been active in litigating its design patents in Chinese courts against local manufacturers.
Today’s announcement comes just weeks after the company revealed a similar victory over two other Chinese companies, Guangzhou South China Tire & Rubber and Wanli Tire.
That suit related to the tread pattern on Bridgestone’s Dueller A/T Revo 2 tyre, which is used on sports utility vehicles.
July’s ruling against Shengtai and SSTRT, meanwhile, was just the latest victory for Bridgestone in a long-running dispute with the Chinese companies.
Bridgestone said that in April this year, it had won another design patent infringement case brought against Shengtai, relating to the tread pattern on Bridgestone’s ST3000 truck tyre.
“Bridgestone takes seriously any unauthorised use or infringement of its patents, trademarks or any other IP,” the Japanese tyre maker said.
“With this level of vigilance, Bridgestone is prioritising the safety and reliability associated with its products and maintaining and enhancing its hard-earned brand value,” it added.
WIPR has contacted Shengtai and SSTRT for comment in response to Bridgestone’s announcement.
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