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UPC CFI 556/2025

19. Juni 2025·EP3519207: MOTORCYCLES TYRE

Verletzungs-Hauptverfahren:UPC CFI 649/2024

Verfahrensdetails
Status
Written Phase
Verfahrensart
Widerklage Nichtigkeit
Kategorie
Widerklage auf Nichtigkeit
Parteien
Kläger
Vertreter: Matteo Orsingher (Orsingher Ortu Avvocati Associati); Davide Graziano (Orsingher Ortu Avvocati Associati); Federica Franchetti (Orsingher Ortu Avvocati Associati); Antonio Lasca (Pirelli Tyre s.p.a.)
Beklagte
Vertreter: Marco F. Francetti (Jacobacci Avvocati); Marina Cristofori (Jacobacci Avvocati); Steffen Falk Leikhauf (Jacobacci Avvocati); Fabio Di Biase (Jacobacci Avvocati)
Division
Milan LD
Richter
Technology
Automotive · Tyres · Automotive
Sprache
Italian
Erste Entscheidung
26. Mai 2026
Ansprüche
Streitig1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Aufrechterhalten1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Verletzt1
Hinweise: Infringement was found with respect to claim 1 only (all features 1A-1M literally reproduced). The counterclaim sought revocation of all 14 claims (claims 1-14) for insufficient description and lack of inventive step; the counterclaim was entirely rejected. The decision does not separately analyse infringement of dependent claims 2-14.
Entscheidungen
  • 2026-05-26
    VerletztUnterlassung angeordnetNichtigkeit (Hauptsache)Counterclaim for revocation

    The Milan Local Division found that Sichuan Yuanxing Rubber Co., Ltd. literally infringed claim 1 of EP 3 519 207 B1 (Pirelli's motorcycle tyre patent) through exhibition of tyres HA-51R and HA-51F at the EICMA fair and promotion on its website. The counterclaim for revocation based on insufficient description and lack of inventive step was rejected, and an injunction was granted against SYR across all UPC Contracting Member States where the patent is in force.

    Rechtsfragen:Literal infringement of claim 1 of EP 3 519 207 B1 by motorcycle tyres HA-51R and HA-51FCounterclaim for revocation: insufficient description (Art. 65 UPCA / R. 25 RoP)Counterclaim for revocation: lack of inventive step (Art. 65 UPCA / R. 25 RoP)Claim interpretation under Art. 69 EPC and Protocol on InterpretationMeaning of 'motorcycle' vs 'motoveicolo' under Art. 70(1) EPC (authentic text)Interpretation of 'tread pattern' and flat-plane representation (feature 1F)Interpretation of 'substantially along an axial direction' for transverse grooves (feature 1H)Infringement via trade fair exhibition and website promotionProportionality of remedies under Art. 64(4) UPCA (withdrawal/destruction of products denied for lack of commercialisation evidence)Interim award of damages (R. 119 RoP) deniedBurden of proof redistribution (proximity of evidence principle, CJEU C-104/10 Kelly)Common general knowledge: whether patent literature showing tread flat-plane representation constitutes CGK (EPO T 1000/12, T 412/09)
Dokumente
DokumenttitelDatumÖffentlich
Decision2026-05-26Öffentlich
action.phaseChange.caseClose2026-05-26Nicht öffentlich
action.issueDecision.decision2026-05-26Nicht öffentlich
Decision2026-05-26Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2026-03-13Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2026-03-13Nicht öffentlich
Document Claimant2026-03-13Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2026-03-13Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2026-03-13Nicht öffentlich
Document2026-03-13Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2026-03-02Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2026-03-02Nicht öffentlich
Document Claimant2026-03-02Nicht öffentlich
action.issueOrder.order2026-02-13Nicht öffentlich
Order2026-02-13Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2026-02-03Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2026-02-03Nicht öffentlich
Other document Claimant2026-02-03Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2026-02-02Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2026-02-02Nicht öffentlich
action.issueOrder.order2026-01-23Nicht öffentlich
Order2026-01-23Nicht öffentlich
action.issueOrder.order2025-12-09Nicht öffentlich
Order2025-12-09Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2025-12-03Nicht öffentlich
Further pleadings2025-12-03Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2025-12-03Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2025-12-02Nicht öffentlich
Other document Claimant2025-12-02Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2025-12-02Nicht öffentlich
action.issueOrder.order2025-11-28Nicht öffentlich
Order2025-11-28Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2025-11-07Nicht öffentlich
Exhibit document Defendant2025-11-07Nicht öffentlich
Counterclaim rejoinder2025-11-07Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2025-11-07Nicht öffentlich
Cover sheet2025-10-10Nicht öffentlich
Counterclaim reply2025-10-10Nicht öffentlich
Receipt2025-10-10Nicht öffentlich
Formal-checks_Notification-of-positive-outcome2025-08-13Nicht öffentlich
Acknowledgement-of-lodging2025-08-13Nicht öffentlich
reply to the statement of defence and defence to the counterclaim for revocation2025-08-13Nicht öffentlich
doc. 33_ parere tecnico PGA e allegato A2025-08-13Nicht öffentlich
Panel-Appointment2025-07-18Nicht öffentlich
Panel-Appointment2025-06-27Nicht öffentlich
Document from EPO2025-06-25Nicht öffentlich
Notification Of Service2025-06-20Nicht öffentlich
Panel-Appointment2025-06-20Nicht öffentlich
EPO-Request-for-case-pending2025-06-20Nicht öffentlich
Acknowledgement-of-lodging2025-06-20Nicht öffentlich
Formal-checks_Notification-of-positive-outcome2025-06-20Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D52025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D5 bis2025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D12025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D32025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D22025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 022025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D42025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Statement of Defence with counterclaim for revocation2025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D7 bis2025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D4 bis2025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D72025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 012025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Doc 03 D62025-06-19Nicht öffentlich
Angenommene Argumente
Was das Gericht akzeptiert hat — nach Partei.

  • The term 'motorcycle' in the granted English text of EP'207 has a narrower meaning than 'motoveicolo', referring primarily to two-wheeled vehicles; claim scope is restricted accordingly

    KlägerRechtsgrundlage: Art. 70(1) EPC; Regulation (EU) No 168/2013

  • The 'tread pattern' representation in feature 1F means an extension (sviluppo) of the tread band onto a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane, as consistent with paragraphs [0022]-[0030] and [0079] of the patent; this technique is common general knowledge in the tyre sector given its use across multiple prior art documents D1-D5 and D7

    KlägerRechtsgrundlage: Art. 69 EPC; EPO T 1000/12; T 412/09

  • All features of claim 1 (1A through 1M) are reproduced in tyres HA-51R and HA-51F as demonstrated by photographic evidence (doc. 33 al. A), promotional brochures, and physical samples seized at EICMA

    KlägerRechtsgrundlage: Art. 25(1)(a) UPCA

  • Exhibition at EICMA fair and promotion via English-language website en.heliostire.com constitute offering and placing on the market within UPC Contracting Member States

    KlägerRechtsgrundlage: Art. 25(1)(a) UPCA

  • The severity of infringement justifies an injunction; SYR's tyres are substitutes for Pirelli's patented products and pose direct risk of market erosion

    KlägerRechtsgrundlage: Art. 63 UPCA; Art. 25 UPCA

  • Redistribution of burden of proof to defendant under the 'proximity of evidence' principle where claimant provided strong prima facie photographic evidence and defendant has privileged access to product specifications

    KlägerRechtsgrundlage: CJEU C-104/10 (Kelly)
Zurückgewiesene Argumente
Was das Gericht nicht akzeptiert hat — und warum.

  • The patent specification is insufficient because it does not provide clear instructions on how to perform the flat-plane representation of the tread pattern (feature 1F), making it impossible for third parties to verify non-infringement

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 65 UPCA; R. 25 RoP

  • EP'207 lacks inventive step

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 65 UPCA; R. 25 RoP

  • The transverse grooves in HA-51R and HA-51F are curved in two directions and therefore do not extend 'substantially along an axial direction' as required by feature 1H

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 69 EPC

  • Feature 1L requires all blocks in an assembly to be delimited by circumferential grooves; the outermost lateral blocks in HA-51R/HA-51F are not delimited on their outer side by a circumferential groove

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 69 EPC

  • Feature 1M (L1/L2 ratio ≥ 2) is not met because the small blocks in HA-51R/HA-51F have a ratio below 2

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 69 EPC

  • Website promotion does not constitute offering or placing on the market in UPC states because the sites are not e-commerce platforms, are not targeted at European consumers, and the products have never been sold or distributed in Europe

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 25 UPCA

  • Proportionality requires limitation or denial of remedies (injunction, withdrawal, destruction, damages) because SYR's products have never been commercially distributed in Europe

    BeklagterRechtsgrundlage: Art. 64(4) UPCA; Preamble RoP para. 3