Toyo Seeks Import Ban on Chinese & Thai Tires for Tread Design Patent Infringement

Toyo Tires requested import bans on imports of tires it alleges infringe its design patents on tread patterns, in a Section 337 complaint filed Aug. 14 with the International Trade Commission. According to the complaint, 22 companies are either manufacturing, importing, or selling the infringing tires in the U.S. Toyo says tires made by Shandong Yongtai, Doublestar Tire, Tri-Ace, South China Tire, Guangzhou SCT, Shandong Linglong, and Weifang, all of China, as infringing its tread design patents. Svizz-One of Thailand also makes infringing tires, Toyo said. The complaint also identifies 14 U.S. companies that import and/or distribute the tires. Toyo is requesting limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders against importation and sale by each respondent.