Tobroco-Giant wins copying lawsuit at Bauma

Chinese manufacturer Haihong has been ordered to remove a compact wheeled loader from its stand at Bauma after a court ruled that it was a copy of Tobroco-Giant’s G2700 loader.

Tobroco-Giant, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of compact construction equipment, said it had “secured an important legal victory” during Bauma, with a German court ruling that Shandong Haihong Heavy Industry had displayed a copy of its G2700 loader “and must immediately remove their machine from the exhibition grounds”.

Tobroco spotted the machine on Tuesday at the show and engaged a lawyer the same day. The Chinese OEM was approached and by Wednesday it had covered the machine, and then removed it completely before the show opening on Thursday. A Munich court heard the case on Thursday and ruled in favour of Tobroco.

Toine Brock, founder and CEO of Tobroco, said; “For nearly 30 years, we have poured our heart and soul into developing high-quality machines. Protecting innovation and taking firm action against misuse is crucial for the future of our industry.

“We understand that copying cannot be completely prevented, but this ruling demonstrates that it will not always be without consequences.”

Trademark attorney Fabio Adinolfi, who represented Tobroco in court, added; “This decision provides a strong legal foundation for Tobroco-Giant to act decisively against infringements in the future”.

Tobroco said the ruling was a win not just for itself, “but also sends a strong signal to the entire industry: copying machines that have taken years of development, innovation, and investment will not go without consequences.”

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