HC for joint trial of TVS, Bajaj dispute

The Madurai Bench of Madras high court on Friday ordered a joint trial on a patent dispute between TVS Motor Company and Bajaj Auto.In December 2007,Bajaj filed a civil suit accusing TVS of infringing its patent on DTS-i (digital twin spark plug ignition) in TVS Flame.TVS,however,has denied the allegations.

Allowing the applications from both parties,Justice S Palanivelu of the Madurai Bench said it is desirable to make an order for joint trial.The documents to be produced by both the parties could be common for both the suits.It would facilitate both parties to advance arguments jointly in both the suits and the court to render a common judgment.In such view of this matter,an order for joint trial is inevitable which has necessarily to be passed and hence,joint trial application has to be allowed.