Bridgestone Wins Design Patent Infringement Lawsuit in China

Tokyo (August 22, 2019) — Bridgestone Corporation (“Bridgestone”) today announced that on July 5, 2019, it received a favorable ruling in its design patent infringement lawsuit against major Chinese tire manufacturers Guangzhou South China Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. and Wanli Tire Co., Ltd. (“Wanli Tire”).

In October 2015, Bridgestone filed the lawsuit claiming that tire manufacturing and sales activities conducted by Wanli Tire utilized the tread pattern^*1 of the Bridgestone DUELER A/T REVO 2 tire for sport utility vehicles, and that these activities were therefore in violation of Bridgestone’s patent rights. In May 2017, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court found in favor of Bridgestone. Wanli Tire appealed the decision to the Shanghai High People’s Court, which upheld the lower court’s decision.

As a result of the decision, Wanli Tire was ordered to cease violation of Bridgestone’s patent rights and pay damages to Bridgestone in an amount of 600,000 Chinese yuan (approximately. 9.6 million Japanese yen^*2).

Tread pattern of Bridgestone’s DUELER A/T REVO 2 tires for sports utility

Bridgestone takes seriously any unauthorized use or infringement of its patents, trademarks or any other intellectual property. With this level of vigilance, Bridgestone is prioritizing the safety and reliability associated with its products and maintaining and enhancing its hard-earned brand value.

^*1 Tread pattern refers to the design molded into the section of the tire that comes into direct contact with the road’s surface.

^*2 Converted at a rate of 16 Japanese yen to 1 Chinese yuan

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.

In the Asia Pacific region, Bridgestone locates its regional headquarters in Singapore, overseeing the operations of tyre production and sales facilities, as well as supplying its products across more than 25 over countries in the region. Bridgestone Asia Pacific plays a key role in facilitating this large and growing market as it contributes significantly to the entire Bridgestone Group.