Hero Cycles Limited, Ludhiana, Punjab based Indian bicycle and bicycle products manufacturer has filed a lawsuit against Avon Cycles Limited in the Ludhiana District court. The largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, according to Guinness Book of World Records, has accused Avon for copyright infringement of registered design.
The trial court has issued summons seeking a response from the defendant. Prior to filing the lawsuit, Hero Cycles has issued a 'cease and desist' notice to the respondent cautioning against violation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) practices, reports The Indian Express.
The ongoing legal dispute pertains to Hero Cycle's product Hero Rx-1 which enjoys patented design under the Designs Act 2000. The Previous communiqué by Hero Cycles claims, the design of RX-1 to be very well known while enjoying unparallel reputation in bicycle market. However, design of Avon's C-Track appears identical to that of its RX-1 infringing the Intellectual Property Rights laws, according to a report published in The Tribune.
A statement signed by Bharat Goel, CFO and company secretary and issued on behalf of Hero Cycles has announced filing the lawsuit seeking injunction and other relief. Meanwhile, Onkar Singh Pahwa, Chief Managing Director (CMD) for Avon Cycles has acknowledged receiving a court notice regarding the lawsuit. He, however, expresses his surprise over the move of Hero Cycles despite bringing change in the design of cycle model in question, reports The Economic Times quoting an Avon statement issued by its CMD. The Avon CMD hasn't been available for his comments. However, his son, Rishi Pahwa has observed the event of filing lawsuit as 'unfortunate'. Also, he hasn't tried to hide his surprised reaction due to ongoing negotiations initiated following receipt of the cautionary notice. He cites the Hero Cycles' move as beyond business ethics. During the negotiation talks, Hero Cycles has objected regarding X-Track model. Avon Cycles has acknowledged their righteous claims while agreeing to make certain changes. They have also sought time for clearing the floor stock until April 30 and remained in touch with their concerned officials. Unfortunately, the legal notice has been served whenever his father is away to Shanghai in China. May 31 has been scheduled as the next date for hearing and Avoid will reportedly submit a reply explaining its position over the lodged complaints. 'Cycle will remain a cycle at the end of the day', comments junior Pahwa with a funning gesture over the copyright infringement allegations.
