US electric truck manufacturer Bollinger Motors has alleged trademark and patent infringement by Scottish start-up Munro Vehicles.
The Michigan-based business is also accusing Munro’s head of design Ross Compton - who worked for Bollinger from 2015 to 2017 - of violating a non-disclosure agreement.
Bollinger filed a lawsuit on 31 January against Munro and Compton at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
This states that Glasgow-based company is infringing on two Bollinger patents, both of which cover “an original and unique vehicle design”, which will inflict irreparable harm to its brand.
It also claims that Compton, “without permission or authorisation, retained Bollinger intellectual property and other materials ... and disclosed such materials to Munro in violation of the mutual non-disclosure agreement”.
Russell Peterson, Munro's chief executive, said the company is aware of the allegations raised by Bollinger.
“The company takes IP infringement extremely seriously we intend to robustly defend our position over the unique design of the Munro MK_1 all-terrain vehicle.“
The Munro MK_1 all-electric off road vehicle was launched in December - initially targeting those working in rural areas - following a two-year test and development programme.
It plans to build 50 vehicles in 2023, before transitioning to a new purpose-built site near Glasgow in 2024, making Munro the first volume production car company in Scotland for more than 40 years.
Meanwhile, the Bollinger B1 is a similarly rugged-looking electric off-roader.
Its all-wheel drive dual-motor drivetrain comes with 50/50 weight distribution and adjustable ride height.
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