U.S. regulator sides with FCA in Jeep trade case against Mahindra
Reuters
Published Jun 12, 2020 16:46
DETROIT (Reuters) - A U.S. regulator ruled that India's Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd (NS:MAHM) infringed upon the intellectual property rights of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's (FCA) (MI:FCHA) (N:FCAU) Jeep brand, barring the sale of the vehicles in question.
The International Trade Commission, in a decision released late Thursday, said Mahindra's Roxor off-road utility vehicle violated the "trade dress" of FCA's Jeep Wrangler SUV. The ITC issued a limited exclusion order prohibiting sale or import of the infringing vehicles and parts, as well as a cease and desist order to Mahindra and its North American unit.
Trade dress consists of the unique characteristics that make a product stand apart and is generally accepted as identified with that product by the public. For example, FCA sees the Jeep Wrangler's boxy body shape, front grille and round headlights as distinct to the brand.
The order is effective immediately, but the U.S. Trade Representative has 60 days to potentially disapprove for policy reasons.
The ITC, which initially opened its investigation in September 2018, had been reviewing an administrative law judge's initial determination from last November. The coronavirus outbreak delayed the ITC's decision.
Mahindra, which previously said FCA's claims were without merit, did not immediately comment on Friday. The Indian automaker previously said it launched its model year 2020 Roxor with what it described as "significant styling changes" and would make additional changes if required.
FCA said in a statement on Friday it was pleased with the decision and that the Italian-American automaker reserved further comment while it studied the ruling.
The Roxor is assembled in Auburn Hills, north of Detroit, by Mahindra's North American subsidiary.
Mahindra on Friday reported a quarterly loss and said it planned to give up control of its struggling South Korean unit SsangYong Motor (KS:003620) as it looks to cut costs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Get The App
Written By: Reuters
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.