Hero Cycles files lawsuit against Avon on IPR 'violation'

Bicycle maker Hero Cycles has filed a lawsuit against Avon Cycles, alleging piracy of its registered design, in a district court here.
The lawsuit was filed a month after Hero Cycles issued a cease and desist notice to Avon, cautioning the latter against intellectual property rights (IPR) violation practices, a statement by Hero Cycles said.
The lawsuit pertains to the Hero Cycles' product HERO RX-1 whose design is registered under the Designs Act, 2000 under No 270519, the official said.
The said design is well-known and enjoys unparalleled goodwill and reputation in the market, he said.
The lawsuit alleges that Avon Cycles product AVON X-Track is "identical" to the registered design of Hero Cycles' product, indicating infringement of intellectual property rights, the statement claimed.

It quoted Bharat Goel, CFO and Company Secretary of Hero Cycles Limited as saying that the company has filed a suit seeking injunction and other relief.

He said summons in the suit have been issued seeking a response from Avon Cycles.
Meanwhile, Avon Cycles CMD Onkar Singh Pahwa said the company has received a notice regarding the lawsuit filed by Hero Cycles.
In a statement, Pahwa said he was surprised over the move of Hero Cycles, despite Avon Cycles "bringing change" in the design of cycle model in question.