Yamaha Files Suit Over Copies of its “Gear” Scooter
24 August 2012
Yamaha Motor Co has filed suit against Eco Trade Co, based in Oita Prefecture, Japan, and Taiseienter Co, also based in Oita Prefecture, in Tokyo District Court. The suit states that both companies’ activities, including the manufacture and sale of specific electric motorcycles, amount to the copying of Yamaha Motor’s “Gear” model product design and therefore fall under the category of “acts of unfair competition.”
The Gear is a commercial scooter aimed at newspaper distributors and other commercial businesses. It retails for about ¥225,000 (US$2,780). Yamaha is seeking compensation as well as an injunction against the manufacture and sale of these electric motorcycles.
The company says it attempted to reach an amicable resolution with both companies through negotiation, but was compelled to file the lawsuit as it was determined that it would be difficult to resolve the issue through negotiation.
“Yamaha Motor counts its intellectual property rights as core management resources, and will continue to vigorously prosecute any infringement upon them that impedes an environment of fair competition,” the company said in a statement.
