NEW DELHI: A patent row is brewing up between Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield over twin-spark technology with the Pune-based firm insisting it would 'study' Thunderbird Twinspark 350 cc of the latter, despite claims of non-infringement.
"We would like to reiterate that the twin spark ignition being used in our new Thunderbird's unit construction engine (UCE) is Royal Enfield's own design and it does not infringe on Bajaj Auto's patent, in any which way," a statement from Royal Enfield said.
"We understand that Bajaj Auto's patent is for an engine displacement between 75cc to 250cc," it added.
When contacted, Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said the company's stance on the issue has not changed.
"Yes, I said that we are studying it," Bajaj said when asked if he maintained what he stated at the company's annual general meeting over the use of twin spark technology by Royal Enfield.
At the AGM, Bajaj said his company was studying if Royal Enfield's Thunderbird Twinspark 350 cc bike violated their patent on the twin-spark technology. It if was found to infringe, then the company could go to court.
Royal Enfield on its part said the engine displacement on the Thunderbird Twinspark is in the range of 350cc and above.
"Besides this, there are several other differences in construction of the engine and spark plugs," it said.
It may be recalled that Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor are locked in a patent infringement suit. The Chennai-based company had to change engine technology of its 125 cc bike 'Flame' after objected to it using a twin-spark ignition technology.
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