Friday, 29 March 2024
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Knolly Bikes alleges patent infringement by Intense Cycles in lawsuit

British Columbia based bike producer Knolly Bikes has put Intense Cycles in its crosshairs with a lawsuit that alleges patent infringement claimed on a rear suspension design.

The suit makes the claim that as many as six of Intense Cycles’ models infringe the patent and the firm goes further to say it believes its competitor has directly examined Knolly’s bikes. The models the alleged infringement applies to are Intense’s Tracer, Carbine, Tazer e-bike, Primer 29, Primer S and Primer 27.5.

Granted to Knolly’s CEO and chief designer Noel Buckley, the patent in question is titled “rear suspension system for bicycles” and is found here. The filing was made in 2014 and granted in August of 2019.

Detailing the rear suspension linkage and chassis design, the patent centres on a seat tube angled to meet the downtube above and in front of the bottom bracket. Furthermore, it is stipulated that it is applicable to bikes with at least four inches of rear travel, qualities that promote optimal traction and pedaling efficiency; all common goals for full suspension bike designers.

BR&IN found that the suit had been filed on Monday and reports that Knolly seeks a jury trial, from which it seeks damages and the reimbursement of attorney fees.