Chinese court confirms Bridgestone’s lawsuit victory

Bridgestone Corporation reports success in its lawsuit against Chinese manufacturer Guangming Tyre Group regarding the infringement of its design patent rights. The case began in May 2011, when Bridgestone filed a lawsuit in the Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court, alleging its design patent rights were violated by Guangming Tyre Group. Specifically, Bridgestone claimed Guangming was manufacturing and selling tyres that used the Japanese tyre maker’s patented truck and bus tyre tread patterns. Guangming produces tyres under the Heshan and Chaoyinsu brand names.

The court ruled in Bridgestone’s favour in December 2011 and ordered the Guangming Tyre Group to pay damages for the infringement. The Chinese tyre maker did not lodge an appeal, and the decision has now been confirmed.

Upon announcing its victory, Bridgestone stated that “in accordance with its policy of making customer safety and security its highest priority, Bridgestone will continue to take aggressive action in the courts and with regulators in response to the copying and infringement of its products and services. These actions are necessary to protect consumers and to maintain and enhance Bridgestone’s brand value.”