VMI files patent lawsuits against Chinese machinery supplier, tire maker

Zhengzhou, China — Dutch tire machinery maker VMI has filed three lawsuits against Link-Asia Smart Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd over the alleged infringement of its patents.

In a statement 31 March, VMI said Link-Asia’s LAPC series tire building machines infringe three patents held by the company in China.

The cases, brought before the Zhengzhou Intermediate People’s Court, also name Henan Tianji Tire Co. Ltd – a tire maker, said VMI, that had purchased and is using the equipment.

VMI said it is seeking an injunction “to stop these two companies from infringing the patents involved” and is also claiming damages.

One of the patents involved in dispute was previously the subject of a separate ruling by China’s Supreme People’s Court, according to VMI.

In that case, it said, the court found that Safe-Run Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd had “misappropriated VMI’s trade secret” and applied for a patent based on it.

The patent, related to core “uni-stage tire building” technology, was ultimately awarded back to VMI, the Dutch company continued.

The other two patents relate to technologies for cutting tire components, including belt ply; and for the tire building drum.

The latter, stated VMI, “saves time in changing the building drums” when producing different tire sizes and “significantly improve[s] the accuracy of equipment connections” during changeovers.

Based in Suzhou, China, Link-Asia was established in 2017 and produces what it describes as "high-end tire intelligent specialised equipment."

ERJ is contacting Link-Asia and Henan Tianji Tire for comment.