Don't make or market Flame, HC orders TVS

In a major set-back to two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company, the Madras High Court has restrained the company from manufacturing, marketing and selling of its new controversial 125-cc motorbike Flame.

A legal tussle is currently on between TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto over alleged patent infringement by the former in Flame.

In an intermin order Justice P Jothimani on Saturday dismissed TVS' application to go ahead with bookings of its motorbike Flame. The judge granted the stay order on a suit filed by Bajaj and passed an order restraining TVS Motor from manufacturing, marketing and selling of Flame.

The judge also dismissed a petition filed by TVS Motor Company to restrain Bajaj from interfering with the manufacture and sale of its new bike Flame.

The Supreme Court last month directed the Madras High Court to maintain the status quo and asked the High Court to hear the matter on January 29 on a petition filed by Bajaj Auto challenging the Madras High Court's order allowing TVS Motor to go ahead with the manufacturing and selling of 'TVS Flame' bikes.

The Madras High Court had passed an order on December 20 allowing TVS Motor to book or sell its 125-cc bike Flame. However, Bajaj filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court challenging the high court order.

The legal battle between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor started in September last year over a technology called digital twin spark ignition (DTSi). Bajaj Auto had accused TVS of copying its patented DTSi technology in its 125-cc motorbike TVS Flame.

However, TVS responded that the Flame was fitted with a three-valve engine based on CCVTi (Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent) technology, which is different from the technology used by Bajaj Auto.