TOKYO (Feb. 1, 2013) — Bridgestone Corp. has won an appeal of a trademark infringement lawsuit in China against Chinese tire maker Guangzhou Bolex Tyre Ltd. covering Guangzhou Bolex's "Gemstone" brand, Bridgestone said today.
Bridgestone filed suit against Guangzhou Bolex in March 2010, alleging that the Chinese company infringed on Bridgestone's trademark rights by making and selling tires under the "Gemstone" name, which is similar to Bridgestone.
The Gemstone brand logo even resembled Bridgestone's trademarked slanted initial capital letter and the Bridgestone type font.
The case was heard originally in Tianjin Binhai New Area People's Court, which ruled in Bridgesone's favor. Guangzhou Bolex appealed that court's decision to the Tianjin No.2 Intermediate People's Court, Bridgestone said, which ruled in January in Bridgestone's favor and ordered Guangzhou Bolex to cease the production and sales of Gemstone tires and and pay undisclosed damages.
Bridgestone said the decision reflects its commitment to protect its intellectual property.
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