Danish ceramic bearing and component manufacturer, CeramicSpeed, has issued a release noting that it has ‘succeeded for a second time in [its] legal pursuit of French bearing manufacturer, CyclingCeramic.’
In a case that stems from CyclingCeramic’s formation back in 2013, CeramicSpeed’s pursuit of legal protection revolves around the ‘persistent visual appearance, brand messaging and corporate identity of CyclingCeramic.’
In December 2016 a French court ruling, ruled that CyclingCeramic should ‘change important aspects of their visual design, including the packaging of their products, images on their website and numerous communications.’
This past week, a German court imposed a temporary blocking order on CyclingCeramic, for the visual appearance of its stand at this year’s Eurobike trade show. The court reportedly ruled that CyclingCeramic were violating the German act of unfair competition.
CeramicSpeed’s Executive Vice President, Martin Banke spoke of the importance in brand protection and how the case with CyclingCeramic should be a powerful example for the industry to be on its toes. He said, “To see a European brand make such blatant infringements has taken us all by surprise. Whilst I would hope our case against CyclingCeramic is rare, I think the industry needs to be vigilant.”
He continued, “The court systems have ruled on two occasions that CyclingCeramic have committed illegal actions in order to build a business. Since 2004 our customers, dealers, distributors and OEM partners, have invested in our product and brand quality. Therefore, we have a duty to protect our own brand and I encourage all brands to do the same.”
As a direct result of receiving the German court order on Saturday, CyclingCeramic removed all signage and marketing material from its booth at Eurobike while closing all booth activity.
