Another big French company gets stung by China
Michelin files suit over 'look-alike' tires
This seems to be almost an action replay of the Danone Wahaha dispute, and I am sure we will here more about this over the coming weeks. The interesting difference is that Michelin wants to keep its chinese business partner at the table, so rather than attacking the Shanghai Tire and Rubber Co directly, it has taken the novel step of chasing 5,000 dealers all over the globe. It remains to be seen if this strategy is more successful than Dannones direct and confrontational approach.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (May 9, 2007) — Following notifications to tire dealers and several lawsuits, Michelin again is filing suits in North Africa, North America and Europe, this time against dealers selling Double Coin brand tires, the company announced today. Thanks to thetrucker.com
In December 2005, Michelin alerted more than 5,000 dealers in various countries of the risks involved in marketing look-alike tires from Asia. These look-alike products copy the tread patterns of Michelin truck tires, and while the two treads may look alike, the look-alikes may not deliver the same grip or longevity of performance as an authentic Michelin tire, the company said, adding that nonetheless, unauthorized copies of Michelin tread patterns can still be found in the market, notably under the Double Coin brand.
In the United States, Michelin North America, Inc. has initiated a suit against the Chinese Manufacturers Alliance, LLC (CMA). This patent and copyright infringement lawsuit, filed in federal court in Greenville, S.C., accuses CMA of importing and selling the Double Coin RT606 and the DynaTrac RS330 tires, both of which utilize unauthorized copies of the patented Michelin XZE tread pattern. Michelin North America is seeking an injunction against further distribution, as well as monetary damages.
Four years earlier the future was looking secure see findarticles.com
China Chemical Reporter, July, 2001
Michelin Group of France and Shanghai Tire & Rubber (Group) Co., Ltd. signed an agreement on March 24 this year and Shanghai Michelin Heavy-duty Tire Co., Ltd. was established. (See CCR 2001, No. 11, Page 8) The ceremony for the founding of Double-Coin Heavy-duty Tire Co. and Tire Research Institute, core enterprises of Shanghai Tire & Rubber (Group) Co., Ltd., was held on June 16.
Double-Coin Heavy-duty Tire Co. has grown out of Heavy-duty Tire Factory producing "double-coin" all-steel radial tires. Since the first pile for the all-steel radial tire project ...
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