The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered Chinese carmaker BYD to stop selling its Yuan Plus electric SUV, which the court said was a ‘copycat’ of Toyota’s popular Urban Cruiser Hyryder model.
The court found that BYD had copied the design features of Toyota’s car, including its overall shape, front grille, headlamps, and tail lamps.
Toyota had filed a lawsuit against BYD last year, alleging copyright infringement. Toyota said that BYD’s Yuan Plus was so similar to its Urban Cruiser Hyryder that it would cause confusion among consumers.
BYD, a major player in China’s electric vehicle market, has been trying to expand its presence in India. The company launched the Yuan Plus in India in October 2022, and it has quickly become one of the best-selling electric SUVs in the country.
The Delhi High Court’s order is a setback for BYD’s plans for India. The company will now have to stop selling the Yuan Plus, and it may have to pay damages to Toyota.
The order also sends a strong message to other Chinese carmakers that they cannot simply copy the designs of foreign carmakers and sell them in India.
In recent years, several Chinese carmakers have been accused of copying the designs of foreign carmakers. In 2021, Jaguar Land Rover sued Chinese carmaker Chery for copying the design of its Range Rover Evoque. The case was settled out of court.
The Delhi High Court’s order is a significant development in the ongoing battle between foreign and Chinese carmakers in India. The order suggests that Indian courts are willing to protect the intellectual property rights of foreign carmakers.
The order is also a victory for Toyota, which has been fighting to protect its intellectual property rights in India. Toyota is one of the most popular carmakers in India, and it has invested heavily in the country.
The Delhi High Court’s order is a reminder that foreign carmakers need to protect their intellectual property rights in India. The order also sends a message to Chinese carmakers that they cannot simply copy the designs of foreign carmakers and sell them in India.
Here are some additional details about the case:
* The Delhi High Court’s order was issued by Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw.
* Toyota was represented by law firm Anand and Anand.
* BYD was represented by law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
* The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 10, 2023.
This case is being closely watched by the Indian automotive industry. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the future of Chinese carmakers in India..
