U.S. to probe India's Mahindra over Fiat Chrysler Jeep complaint (updated)

CIE Automotive India

11/09/2018 17:58

(Adds background, details)
    WASHINGTON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - A U.S. regulator said on
Tuesday it would launch an investigation into an off-road
utility vehicle produced by Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd following
a complaint by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV that it infringed
upon the intellectual property rights of its Jeep design.
    The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) said in a
statement that it was launching a patent-related investigation
into the India automaker's ROXOR vehicle.
    The ITC said the complaint was related to the import and
sale of certain motorized vehicles and components that Fiat
Chrysler  FCHA.MI  had alleged infringed on its trademarks. The
agency said it would aim to complete its probe within 45 days.
    Mahindra  MAHN.NS  said last month that Fiat Chrysler had
filed a patent violation complaint with the ITC against the
company and said the complaint was without merit.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL3N1VK2JJ
    Representatives of Mahindra and Fiat Chrysler could not
immediately be reached for comment.
    

 (Reporting by Susan Heavey; additional reporting by Nick Carey
in Detroit, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
 ((202-898-8300; Reuters Messaging:
susan.heavey.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))