Copycat tread leads to Bridgestone lawsuit

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has filed a patent infringement and unfair trade practices suit against US based retreader and price-driven online tyre retailer TreadWright, claiming the company copied the tread design on its Dueler A/T Revo tyre, which is protected by a 2003 patent. According to Bridgestone, TreadWright initially used the design on its Sentinel tyre. After it issued a cease-and-desist letter to the company in 2013, TreadWright stopped selling that tyre and released a new tyre, called the Watchman, which, according to Bridgestone, had the same tread design.

Bridgestone is seeking a permanent injunction against TreadWright, destruction of the tyres, moulds and marketing materials, profits from the sale of the Sentinel and Watchman, plus damages.

Additional details about Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations vs. TreadWright can be found here.                      Tire Review