JLR wins copycat claim in Chinese court
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has won a copycat claim in a Chinese court with its rival ordered to stop making and selling its vehicle.
The Jiangling Motor Corporation had produced the Landwind X7 but JLR launched legal action because of similarities with the Range Rover Evoque.
It successfully argued in the Beijing Chaoyang District Court that five unique features had been copied by Jiangling and that the similarity of the two vehicles had led to widespread consumer confusion.
JLR’s global head of legal, Keith Benjamin, said it was “a clear sign of the law being implemented appropriately”.
He added: “We welcome this decision of the Beijing Court, which further strengthens our confidence in investing in China and in the fairness of intellectual property adjudication in the Chinese courts.”
The court’s decision, and its order for all sales, manufacturing and marketing of the Landwind vehicle to stop immediately, provides some much-needed good news for JLR in China.
It has complained of “challenging market conditions” in the country, with sales plummeting in recent months.
JLR is hoping the latest generation of the Range Rover Evoque, which will be launched in China at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, will help to improve its fortunes.
