VMI wins case against Safe-Run

Netherlands-based leading tyre manufacturing machinery maker VMI reports that it has won its first patent invalidation case against Chinese firm Safe-Run. As part of ongoing legal action commenced by VMI against Safe-Run, VMI filed for invalidation of a number of Safe-Run patents. Recently, the Chinese Patent Review Board has ruled in this case and invalidated the first Safe-Run patent in its entirety as the patent “was based on prior art”.

Further claims for invalidation of other Safe-Run patents have been filed and VMI reports that the company is confident these will “also be granted as the technology in question can be proven to have been developed by VMI and utilized in VMI machines prior to Safe-Run’s application for a patent”. The VMI statement continues by saying: “The Chinese Patent Review Board considers this high-jacking of know-how and as such ground for invalidation of a patent”.

Harm Voortman, president and CEO of VMI Group commented: “We feel strengthened in our belief in the Chinese legal system. This illegal use of protected intellectual property undermines innovation and prevents advancement in the industry. That is why VMI will continue to take legal actions to protect our rights.”