Goenka Electric Motor Vehicles Ltd recently filed an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) infringement suit claiming Rs 2 crore against Kolkata-based companies Kirti Solar Limited and Electeca Pvt Ltd.
The dispute is regarding infringement of copyright in the design of "e-rickshaws". The case was filed at the Delhi High Court and the court has ordered "compliance be made within four weeks." And directed the defendants to file a written statement within two weeks.
The firm is also claiming an unlimited licence fee for all the models violating copyright.
"Kirti Solar Ltd is manufacturing, distributing and selling a model 'Prime' similar to Goenka Electric model 'Prince' using same or substantially same mould which was uniquely developed and protected by the Goenka's," said Goenka's lawyer, Salman Waris, managing partner of the Delhi-based law firm TechLegis Advocates & Solicitors.
Waris said that Goenka Electric Motor.is demanding damages worth Rs 2 crore and are in the process of negotiating the licence fee to be paid by Kirti Solar Ltd to the original manufacturers.
Goenka Electric Motor Vehicles Pvt Ltd is the first indigenous manufacturer of e-rickshaws and engaged in the business of manufacturing, marketing, and exporting of high quality electric rickshaw.
However, a majority of e-rickshaws currently being marketed and sold in India are imported from China. Goenka has earned goodwill over the past few years as it manufactured the first ever e-rickshaw certified by the government-approved International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT).
The company at present is the market leader in the said field, a status, which it has achieved due to its extensive and sustained investment in research and development over the years. Goenka Electric has pioneered development, design, manufacture and marketing of different models of international standards e-rickshaw and electric vehicles, in India.
While Kirti Solar Limited is primarily engaged in the business of solar panels and LED lighting system in India, due to government initiatives on battery-operated vehicles and seeing market potential in e-rickshaw, in India, they have recently ventured into the sector.
