Bridgestone Settles With Chinese Manufacturer Over Patent Dispute

Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it has settled its patent infringement dispute with major Chinese manufacturer, Shandong Chengshan Tire Co, Ltd.

The dispute centres around the patents the Japanese manufacturer acquired on the design of its R288 and M858 radial truck and bus tyres. Bridgestone reports that in November 2004, the company “discussed continuously” with Shandong Chengshan asking it to cease production of its CST66 and CST88 Shandong Chengshan tyres. Bridgestone contended that these radial truck and bus tyres closely resembled the design of its R288 and M858 products.

Bridgestone then filed a design patent infringement complaint in China in January 2005 when Shandong Chengshan failed to comply with its requests to halt production.

According to Bridgestone, the court proposed a settlement stipulating among other things, that Shandong Chengshan cease production of the tyres subject to the complaint. Shandong Chengshan is said to have agreed to this and a final settlement was reached.

Bridgestone reports that the provisions of the agreement are as follows: Shandong Chengshan must cease production and sale of CST66 and CST88 tyres. And Shandong Chengshan must the moulds for CST66 and CST88. Shandong Chengshan cooperates with Bridgestone Group to verify the modifications of moulds.

“Bridgestone Group protects the uniquely superior technology and designs acquired by research and development as intellectual property. The company actively uses the designs on a worldwide basis, while fully respecting the intellectual property of other companies, including those in China. Bridgestone Group continues to emphasize intellectual property in operations and intends to rigorously pursue measures, including legal action against all acts of imitation,” Bridgestone said in a statement on the matter.