About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.
News - 2013
Bridgestone Wins Design Patent Rights Lawsuit in China
2013/05/20
Tokyo (May 20, 2013) - Bridgestone Corporation today announced that it has won a lawsuit against Qingdao Genco Industrial Group Co., Ltd. in Qingdao, Shandong Province, regarding infringement of design patent rights.
Qingdao Genco Industrial Group Co., Ltd.'s catalog included a tire featuring a Bridgestone patented truck and bus tire tread pattern*. Bridgestone Corporation filed a lawsuit in the Qingdao City Intermediate People's Court alleging that Bridgestone's design patent rights had been violated. Subsequently, the court released a decision that affirmed Bridgestone's claims of patent infringement by Qingdao Genco Industrial Group Co., Ltd. The decision was not appealed by Qingdao Genco Industrial Group Co., Ltd., and as a result the ruling stands.
The Bridgestone Group will continue working to maintain and enhance the value of its brands by taking the necessary actions to protect its trade secrets and intellectual property. This includes reporting patent infringements to the appropriate authorities and seeking proper redress through the court system.
* The pattern is the groove design on the portion of the tire that makes contact with the road.
