Bajaj Auto, Royal Enfield in a patent row

A patent row is brewing up between Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield over twin-spark technology, with the former insisting it would investigate whether the Thunderbird Twinspark 350 cc bike of the Enfield has violated patent laws.

Royal Enfield reiterated that the twin-spark ignition being used in its new Thunderbird's unit construction engine (UCE) was its own design, and it did not infringe on Bajaj's patent for the technology.

"We understand that Bajaj Auto's patent is for an engine displacement between 75 cc to 250 cc. We did not infringe on Baja's patent," Enfield said in a statement.

Bajaj said its stand on the issue has not changed.

Earlier, Bajaj Auto sued the Chennai-based TVS Motor for patent infringement. Subsequently, TVS Motors had to change engine technology of its 125 cc bike brand named 'Flame'.

Bajaj said it was studying if Royal Enfield's Thunderbird Twinspark 350 cc bike violated their patent on the twin-spark technology. It said if Enfield was found to have violated the patent, the company would take the matter to court.

Royal Enfield on its part said the engine displacement on the Thunderbird Twinspark is in the range of 350cc and above. It said there were several other differences in construction of the engine and spark plugs.san/sj/vt

(236 Words)13071810NNNN (IANS)

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