EPE, Netherlands—In a new development in the intellectual property dispute between VMI Group and Chinese rival Safe-Run Group, the Chinese Patent Re-examination Board has upheld some patents for VMI, while invalidating others that were challenged, according to a statement issued by VMI.
VMI said the Chinese board upheld its "major invention" patents related to tire building technology as part of an ongoing dispute between the Dutch group and Safe-Run Group.
"To VMI's surprise some other challenged patents were invalidated," the company said in a news release, adding that it will appeal the decision. "VMI … is convinced that a higher court will recognize the validity of these other patents, which were granted and upheld in many other important countries, and overturn that element of the Patent Re-examination Board's decision."
In a statement on the recent ruling, VMI Group CEO Harm Voortman said it "strengthens our position in the legal dispute with Safe-Run and reaffirms our confidence in the Chinese legal system."
Officials with Safe-Run could not be reached for comment.
The two sides have been in a legal dispute over patent infringements since 2016.