VMI awaits ruling in Chinese infringement case

Netherlands-based machinery manufacturer VMI Group says a ruling is expected soon in the case of a Chinese company caught making illegal replicas of VMI tyre building drums. Commenting on the incident, company president and CEO Harm Voortman said vigorously protecting intellectual property is “an essential part” of VMI’s strategy.

After receiving reports of intellectual property infringement, VMI decided to take action and requested that Chinese law enforcement authorities raid the site. The evidence gathered during this action is now being examined by the Chinese courts. VMI says that it will also strive to ensure any further infringements, anywhere in the world, are also dealt with accordingly.

“Our products are designed to be the best in the world,” stated Voortman. “To achieve this we spend a lot of effort and money on research and development. Moreover our newly developed equipment is well protected by various patents around the world. When our intellectual property is challenged, we need to proceed with the next step and bring wrongdoers to court to have them face legal consequences.”