When UK startup Munro launched a 375-horsepower, all-electric off-roader, our first response wasn’t a lot pleasure because it was confusion. Whereas the thought of an all-electric off-roader tickled our fancy, the Munro MK_1 appeared, effectively, a bit too acquainted. We even stated as a lot in that report, saying, “it reminds us of the Bollinger B1.”
Now, in a go well with filed with america District Courtroom for the Southern District of New York, Bollinger Motors is alleging that the resemblance is much from coincidence. The EV producer, which cancelled the manufacturing plans for the B1 SUV and the same B2 truck, is accusing Munro of patent infringement. Additionally named within the go well with is former contracted Bollinger designer and present Munro head of design, Ross Compton, who’s accused of violating a non-disclosure settlement with the Michigan-based EV producer.
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Based on the go well with, which is on the market to learn on the Public Entry to Courtroom Digital Information web site underneath the case #1:23-cv-00811, Bollinger accuses Munro of infringing on two of its patents (D836,027 and D836,487), each of which cowl “an authentic and distinctive automobile design…[which] characteristic uncovered {hardware} and hinges, intensive use of flat surfaces, aesthetic chamfered surfaces, flat and parallel physique strains, and a particular wheel arch form.”
Bollinger goes on within the go well with to checklist comparative photos of the B1 and MK_1 and cites media protection, together with from Motor1.com, that factors out the similarities between the designs.
Bollinger additionally claims Compton “with out permission or authorization, retained Bollinger mental property and different supplies…and disclosed such supplies to Munro in violation of the Mutual Nondisclosure Settlement.” Compton signed the NDA on February 16, 2015. Bollinger additionally accuses Compton of taking screenshots of CAD fashions and sharing them on social media “for the needs of self-promotion.” He has allegedly refused to adjust to a cease-and-desist order.
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“It was a really private train to carry my imaginative and prescient from paper to prototype,” Bollinger founder and CEO Robert Bollinger stated in an emailed quote. “The group and I’ve taken nice delight in our truck designs, and are thrilled that they’ve developed a loyal following resulting from their distinctive look and progressive options. We poured an excessive amount of ardour into these vans and are dedicated to defending and defending them.”
Per the go well with, Bollinger is searching for financial damages “in an quantity to be decided on the time of trial” and a everlasting injunction towards each Compton and Munro. InsideEVs has reached out to Munro for remark and can replace this publish if we get a response.