TVS Motors refutes Bajaj's allegation

Mumbai, Sep 3 (UNI) Reacting to the allegation made by Bajaj Auto Ltd of infringing its patented DTSi (Digital Twin Spark Plug Ignition) technology, the third largest two wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor today said the charge is ''malicious''.

Refuting the charge, TVS Motors had forthwith put Bajaj on notice that the accusation is libelous, asking them to withdraw the reckless charge or face law suit.

The company said ''TVS Motors is surprised at the wild and reckless allegations made by Bajaj Auto Ltd through the media, charging TVS Motors with infringement of their intellectual property rights.'' The accusation is a malicious attempt to tarnish the fair name of TVS Motors and its promoter group TVS, which has established reputation for highest standard for business ethics.

TVS Motors further said ''Even though the press statement issued on September 1 explains the facts briefly, the management of the company considers it its duty to place the correct facts before all our stake holders and the public.'' The company also clarified that this was a well known technology extensively in use all over the world for several decades.

''We had added that, under the Patent Law, this is known as 'prior art'. Inventions or works of 'prior art' are not patentable under the laws of India,'' the company added.

Bajaj Auto had, at first, filed a complete final claim for patent for its DTSi technology on July 3, 2003, stating that ''an improved internal combustion engine for efficient burning of lean air fuel mixture used in engines working in four stroke principle, characterised in that said IC Engine comprising of.'' But the company says this was not the invention for which the patent was granted.

The company claimed that Bajaj Auto's final claim to patent is based on ''two valve engine''. In contrast, TVS Motor's Internal Combustion Engine has three valves. In addition to this fundamental differential, which makes all the difference in law, each and every element of Bajaj Auto patent claim description, including 'twin spark plugs', rests purely on prior art.

TVS Motors is therefore insisting on Bajaj Auto withdrawing its malicious charge.

UNI