Bridgestone Wins Trademark Infringement Lawsuit in China

TOKYO (November 07, 2019) – Bridgestone Corporation today announced that it received a favorable ruling in its trademark infringement lawsuit against Chinese tire manufacturer Liangshan Water Margin Tire Co., Ltd. (Water Margin), in the Suzhou Intellectual Property Court.

In June 2018, Bridgestone filed the lawsuit claiming that tire manufacturing and sales activities conducted by Water Margin, under the FULISITONG brand, infringed on the Company's trademark rights by utilizing a brand mark that resembled the Company's BRIDGESTONE registered trademarks. In May 2019, the Suzhou Intellectual Property Court found in favor of Bridgestone and ordered Water Margin to cease tire manufacturing and sales activities that are in violation of the Company's trademark rights. They were also required to pay damages to the Company in the amount of roughly 3,300,000 Chinese yuan (approximately 52.8 million Japanese yen.^*1).

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

^{*1 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 tyre and rubber company. In addition to tyres 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.