Victory For Tata: Beijing Court Rules Chinese Automaker Jiangling Motor Copied Features Of JLR Evoque

In a significant ruling, Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) won a legal victory and compensation after a Chinese court ruled that Chinese automaker Jiangling Motor's Landwind X7 SUV was too similar to the Range Rover Evoque, reports ANE.

“The Beijing Chaoyang District Court agreed with JLR that that Landwind copied five unique features of the Evoque, which led to widespread customer confusion,” said the iconic British luxury car brand JLR.

Jiangling Landwind X7 SUV had a similar shape to that of JLR Evoque SUV, with the roof and windows tapering from front to back. The X7 also had near-identical tail lights and character lines on the side panelling.

Finally China Sides With Originators

JLR stated that this judgement of the Chinese judiciary suggests that China is taking copyright claims more seriously. "This ruling is a clear sign of the law being implemented appropriately to protect consumers and uphold their rights so that they are not confused or misled, while protecting business investment in design and innovation," said Keith Benjamin, Jaguar Land Rover's legal affairs chief.

"The ruling is highly significant," added Michael Dunne, CEO of Hong Kong-based automotive consultant firm ZoZoG. "For years, foreign companies have taken Chinese rivals to court for purloining designs and lost. GM, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, you name it."

Also Read: China Is Policing Moral Values Through A National Citizen Reputation Rating System