Chinese tyre maker settles Dunlop Geomax infringement lawsuit

Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) shares that a settlement has been reached in its patent infringement lawsuit against Timsum Rubber Tire (Weihai). SRI, which manufactures Dunlop tyres in certain regions outside Europe, filed a lawsuit with the Beijing Intellectual Property Court in response to unauthorised use of the Dunlop Geomax MX52 motocross tyre tread pattern.

SRI claimed that the tyres in question, which were sold under the Timsum brand name, infringed its Chinese patent and design rights. Following court mediation, Timsum Rubber Tire has agreed to pay a settlement fee and cease production and use of the tread pattern.

“As we consider our intellectual property to be an invaluable asset to our group, Sumitomo Rubber Industries will continue to take aggressive measures to protect our intellectual property from any unauthorised use or infringement,” states SRI. “At the same time, we will also continue to actively develop new cutting-edge technologies while working to ensure the integrity of our intellectual property so that we may utilise it to its fullest.”

Dunlop motorcycle tyres sold in the UK and European markets are produced by Goodyear. SRI is best known to UK customers through the Falken tyre brand.