Safe-Run issues response in patent infringement dispute

London: Safe-Run Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd has supplied the following communication in response to a press release issued by VMI (report) regarding the latest court ruling in the ongoing legal dispute between the two companies:

We believe that VMI’s press release is biased and misleads the public and the professionals in the tire industry. Here below are some examples of VMI release misappropriations:

As to the compensation of three million in RMB Yuan, VMI mentioned in its release that “the court maintained the heavy damages for [Safe-Run’s] continued infringement of one of VMI’s patents in China”. The fact is, the court did not support the full amount of 25 million RMB Yuan claimed by VMI, but judged for 3 million RMB Yuan. Furthermore, there is no wording so-called “continued infringement” nor any evidence related that could be found in the whole court decision.

About VMI’s declaration that “Safe Run’s counter claims, including its patent invalidation petitions have failed completely”, “they [the judgements] confirm that VMI’s patent in the dispute is valid and enforceable and any claims to the contrary have been thoroughly disproved”, pleas be informed that the patent mentioned in the releases is still in the invalidation process.

The validity of the patent has been challenged and might be invalidated with the possibility of above 50%. In the past years, the patent infringement disputes between SAFE-RUN and VMI involved 7 patents of VMI in total, among which, 2 patents were thoroughly invalidated.

The disputes went on with ups and downs on both sides. Nothing could support VMI’s claims that “Safe-Run failed completely”. Thus, the statement of VMI in its release has no basis in fact and could even be suspected of defaming Chinese legal system by distorted over-interpreting of the court decision and disseminating false information.

As a leading manufacturer of high-end intelligent equipment and system engineering solution service provider in China, SAFE-RUN has always adhered to independent innovation and high-end R&D, with respect to intellectual property rights. SAFE-RUN is committed to providing products with independent IPRs and promoting the development of the industry. SAFE-RUN encourages and supports legal rights protection, but does not tolerate any action to exclude or restrict fair competition under the name of IPR protection. 

SAFE-RUN has full confidence in the strength of its patent portfolio and will continue to vigorously defend against intellectual property abuse. We firmly believe that the market and the customers are willing to see legitimate and reasonable competition which could surely enhance the interests of the customers.