HC allows TVS to use Bajaj's patented tech

The Madras High Court on Monday set aside its earlier order restraining country’s third largest two-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motors from manufacturing and marketing vehicles with twin spark technology.

The bench consisting of acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court SJ Mukhopadhyaya and Justice Ibrahim Kalifula set aside the earlier order which restrained TVS Motors from using the twin spark technology, which was patented by Pune-based, India's second largest two wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto.

The judgment will now allow TVS Motors to use and market the disputed technology in its products. Bajaj has been using the twin spark technology in all of its 10 models. It first deployed that technology in the Pulsar range more than five years ago.

A senior TVS Motors officials confirmed the Madras High Court’s ruling. “The court has ruled that we have not infringed on anyone’s technology and we are happy with the verdict. The written copy of the verdict will be shared by the court tomorrow. The case has been going on for the past one year when TVS Motors had appealed against the order before a division bench of the Madras High Court,” said the official.

When contacted by Business Standard, Ravi Kumar, VP (business development), Bajaj Auto, said, “We have not yet received a copy of the judgement. It is expected tomorrow. We will be able to discuss our future course of action only after going through the copy.”

It may be recalled in February last year the Madras High Court restrained TVS Motor Company from manufacturing, marketing and selling its 125 cc motorcycle TVS Flame after Bajaj Auto allege that bike used twin spark plugs to run the engine, a patented technology of Bajaj Auto.

The order came after a petition was filed by Bajaj Auto seeking to restrain TVS from manufacturing and selling TVS Flame, Justice P Jothimani granted the stay order.

The Judge also dismissed the petition filed by TVS to restrain Bajaj from interfering with the manufacture and sale of its new motorcycle.