Mahindra allowed to build and sell the post-2020 Roxor by US Court
In a significant legal development, Mahindra & Mahindra, the renowned Indian automotive manufacturer, has received a favorable ruling from the Easter District Court of Michigan. The court’s decision allows Mahindra to continue production and sales of the post-2020 version of the Roxor off-roader in the lucrative US market. This verdict comes after an ongoing dispute with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) over design resemblances with Jeep SUVs and other products. Let’s delve into the details of this legal battle and its implications for Mahindra.
The roots of this legal saga trace back to 2018 when Mahindra introduced the Roxor in the United States and Canadian markets. Almost immediately, Fiat Chrysler filed a complaint, alleging that the Roxor was a copy of the iconic Willys Jeep. FCA’s claims led to an investigation by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC ruled in favor of FCA and ordered Mahindra to rework the Roxor’s design, citing similarities with trademark-protected Jeep components. Consequently, Mahindra unveiled an updated version of the off-roader in 2020, complying with the court’s directive.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
The legal battle escalated further, with FCA making efforts to halt sales of the Roxor, particularly the pre-2020 models. However, in a pivotal ruling, the Detroit federal court blocked Mahindra only from selling pre-2020 Roxors. The court rejected FCA’s attempt to prevent the sales of the heavily redesigned version of the Roxor, citing that it would not cause consumer confusion.
The “Safe Distance” Rule Controversy
Prior to the newest verdict, the most recent twist in this legal drama came when the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals deemed the Detroit court’s previous ruling to have used the incorrect test. According to the appeals court, Mahindra should have been held to a stricter standard as a known infringer. The court argued that the “safe distance” rule, which applies to known infringers, should have been used to evaluate the redesigned Roxors’ design in relation to Jeep’s trademarks. The appeals court remanded the case back to the Detroit court, ordering a reassessment of whether the post-late-2020 Roxors maintained a “safe distance” from Jeep’s distinctive designs.
Roxor’s Popularity and Market Presence
Over the years, the Roxor has gained popularity as a sought-after off-roader and side-by-side vehicle in the United States. Its appeal lies in its rugged design and capabilities, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. Although intended primarily for off-road use, some states in the US permit their legal operation on roads as well.
The Mahindra Roxor is a rugged off-road utility vehicle that boasts impressive capabilities and a classic design inspired by the legendary Willys Jeep. Designed and manufactured by Mahindra Automotive North America, the Roxor is built to tackle challenging terrains with ease, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Under the hood, the Mahindra Roxor is powered by a reliable 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which delivers a commendable output of around 62 horsepower and an impressive torque of 144 lb-ft. This powertrain is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with precise control over their off-road escapades. Additionally, the Roxor features a part-time 4WD system that allows drivers to engage the four-wheel drive when traversing tricky trails or uneven landscapes.
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In a significant legal development, Mahindra & Mahindra, the renowned Indian automotive manufacturer, has received a favorable ruling from the Easter District Court of Michigan. The court’s decision allows Mahindra to continue production and sales of the post-2020 version of the Roxor off-roader in the lucrative US market. This verdict comes after an ongoing dispute with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) over design resemblances with Jeep SUVs and other products. Let’s delve into the details of this legal battle and its implications for Mahindra.
The roots of this legal saga trace back to 2018 when Mahindra introduced the Roxor in the United States and Canadian markets. Almost immediately, Fiat Chrysler filed a complaint, alleging that the Roxor was a copy of the iconic Willys Jeep. FCA’s claims led to an investigation by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC ruled in favor of FCA and ordered Mahindra to rework the Roxor’s design, citing similarities with trademark-protected Jeep components. Consequently, Mahindra unveiled an updated version of the off-roader in 2020, complying with the court’s directive.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
The legal battle escalated further, with FCA making efforts to halt sales of the Roxor, particularly the pre-2020 models. However, in a pivotal ruling, the Detroit federal court blocked Mahindra only from selling pre-2020 Roxors. The court rejected FCA’s attempt to prevent the sales of the heavily redesigned version of the Roxor, citing that it would not cause consumer confusion.
The “Safe Distance” Rule Controversy
Prior to the newest verdict, the most recent twist in this legal drama came when the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals deemed the Detroit court’s previous ruling to have used the incorrect test. According to the appeals court, Mahindra should have been held to a stricter standard as a known infringer. The court argued that the “safe distance” rule, which applies to known infringers, should have been used to evaluate the redesigned Roxors’ design in relation to Jeep’s trademarks. The appeals court remanded the case back to the Detroit court, ordering a reassessment of whether the post-late-2020 Roxors maintained a “safe distance” from Jeep’s distinctive designs.
Roxor’s Popularity and Market Presence
Over the years, the Roxor has gained popularity as a sought-after off-roader and side-by-side vehicle in the United States. Its appeal lies in its rugged design and capabilities, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. Although intended primarily for off-road use, some states in the US permit their legal operation on roads as well.
The Mahindra Roxor is a rugged off-road utility vehicle that boasts impressive capabilities and a classic design inspired by the legendary Willys Jeep. Designed and manufactured by Mahindra Automotive North America, the Roxor is built to tackle challenging terrains with ease, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Under the hood, the Mahindra Roxor is powered by a reliable 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which delivers a commendable output of around 62 horsepower and an impressive torque of 144 lb-ft. This powertrain is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with precise control over their off-road escapades. Additionally, the Roxor features a part-time 4WD system that allows drivers to engage the four-wheel drive when traversing tricky trails or uneven landscapes.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
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