Michelin moves on truck tyre counterfeiters

Truck tyre manufacturer Michelin is intensifying its fight against those who copy or otherwise offer unauthorised reproductions of its tyre tread patterns. The French manufacturer will focus on the copies of its truck tyre products embodying ‘Michelin Durable Technologies’, which were introduced from January 1, 2005.

In late 2005, Michelin took steps to thwart the unauthorised copying of the tread patterns of its new truck tyres. Michelin notified American, Asian and European tyre dealers of the risks associated with the sale of copied products. Lawsuits were filed on the three continents against manufacturers and/or tyre dealers of these unauthorised copies. Michelin also put on alert various administrative agencies (customs, police, competition authorities etc).

Michelin is determined to extend its fight against those companies - retreaders, mould manufacturers or others - which manufacture or sell treads, retreaded tyres or moulds which copy Michelin’s tread patterns whatever the type of tyre concerned (truck, earthmover tyres etc) except for these companies which may validly do so as licensees of Michelin group companies. Michelin will take any and all steps including legal actions, necessary to vigorously enforce all its rights including its intellectual property rights.

It is worth noting that, even though they may look alike, counterfeit tyres, overall, should not be expected to demonstrate the same Michelin performance (notably in terms of grip, lifespan and fuel efficiency) which the market has come to expect from tyres manufactured by Michelin or by Michelin licensees using products manufactured by Michelin.