Bajaj wins seven year patent battle against LML

In a boost for India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto, the Chennai bench of the IPAB or the Intellectual PropertyAppellate Board has dismissed an appeal filed by rival LML Ltd which had sought the revocation of a patent granted to Bajaj Auto on air & fuel intake systems for engines.

Bajaj Auto was granted the patent for an intake system for two-stroke engines used in two-wheelers that would result in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. LML had moved the IPAB in 2007 arguing that the claimed invention was not novel and a minor rearrangement of technology in the public domain.

"The IPAB verdict upholds the validity of the patent as the bench has held that it is an inventive improvement over prior patents which made the invention in question more useful and efficient. LML Ltd is likely to challenge this verdict by filing a writ petition at the Madras High Court," said an individual familiar with the case.

When contacted, a Bajaj Auto official said the company was "pleased with the verdict and was examining it in detail ." Bajaj Auto was represented by advocate Mihir Kumar Chakrabarti while LML Ltd was advised by advocate Pratibha Singh and law firm Kurian & Kurian Advocates.