Electric auto component maker Flash Electronics on Monday said it had filed a lawsuit against motorcycle maker Royal Enfield for patent infringement in the U.S., regarding production of “a vital component” for two wheelers.
In a statement, the company said that Royal Enfield had infringed its patent on “Regulator Rectifier device and method for regulating an output voltage of the same,” adding that the patent was issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 20, 2018.
The regulator-rectifier, it said, is an important component that smoothly and efficiently converts alternating current voltage produced in motorcycle engines into direct current voltage to charge batteries, power headlights, light up the instrument panel and hence drives the motorcycle’s electrical systems. Flash Electronics India founder and MD Sanjeev Vasdev said three senior officials of Royal Enfield had approached the firm on October 12, 2018 in New Delhi to settle the issue amicably and requested that no suit be filed.
“Flash waited for the outcome of this meeting but Royal Enfield did not address the issue.” he said.
Flash Electronics said that it had also been granted patent for the product in Germany, France, Italy, the U.K., the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Turkey. The firm would file similar suits in respective jurisdictions soon, it said.
“We have been trusted suppliers to leading auto manufacturers across India and overseas and it’s unfortunate to have to deal with such an unexpected and unprecedented act on the part of Royal Enfield, one of the most prestigious names in the automotive sector. This incident is highly objectionable and has dented the credibility of the brand, at least with us as a partner,” Mr Vasdev said.
In an e-mail, Royal Enfield said the component was supplied to them by an external, proprietary supplier, which ‘independently develops and owns the IP rights’ in that component. “The supplier denies plaintiff’s claims vehemently,” it added.
It added that while it has received no official communication, it was aware of the lawsuit “that alleges that one of the components used in some of our motorcycle models sold in the USA infringes on the plaintiff’s registered patent.”
The company said it is actively evaluating the issue internally and seeking legal advice from their U.S. counsel.
“Royal Enfield (A unit of Eicher Motors Ltd.) is a responsible company that has been working with various suppliers for over 60 years, in a manner that meets all legal and regulatory requirements,” it added.
