Jaguar Land Rover files suit in China over Landwind X7 Evoque copy
Jaguar Land Rover has launched legal action against Jiangling Motor in Beijing, accusing the Chinese firm of copying the Range Rover Evoque with its Landwind X7 SUV.
Jaguar Land Rover has initiated legal proceedings in Beijing against Jiangling Motor, claiming the Chinese manufacturer’s Landwind X7 SUV copies the design of the Range Rover Evoque. The case, filed in the Chaoyang district court, marks the first time JLR has formally challenged a Chinese automaker over alleged intellectual property infringement of its high-profile SUV.
The dispute centres on the Landwind X7, which drew widespread attention when it appeared at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2014. The X7’s exterior styling closely resembles the Range Rover Evoque, but the Chinese model is priced at around a third of the Evoque’s cost. Jaguar Land Rover executives have expressed frustration over the situation, but until now the company had not pursued legal action, citing the ambiguity of China’s intellectual property laws and the difficulty of winning such cases.
Legal action after years of restraint
JLR’s patience appears to have run out after Jiangling continued to promote the X7, including at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show. According to sources familiar with the case, the court has served Jiangling with actions relating to copyright and unfair competition. Details of the specific claims have not been made public, but both companies are reported to be in discussions about where the X7 can be sold and what changes might be required for future versions.
One reported outcome of these talks is that Jiangling agreed not to sell the X7 in Brazil, a market where Jaguar Land Rover recently opened a manufacturing plant. Discussions are ongoing over what design changes, if any, Jiangling can make to the X7 in future updates. The main legal battle remains focused on China, where the Evoque is a key model for JLR’s growth ambitions.
Intellectual property challenges in China
Foreign automakers have struggled to enforce design rights in China. Previous cases, such as Honda’s 12-year legal fight over a CR-V copy, have resulted in limited compensation and drawn-out proceedings. Jaguar Land Rover’s action against Jiangling signals a willingness to test the Chinese courts, but the outcome is uncertain given the country’s track record on automotive copyright disputes.
JLR’s move comes as it seeks to protect its brand and market share in China, where competition from domestic manufacturers is intense and copycat models can erode the appeal of premium imports. The company’s willingness to take legal action may encourage other foreign manufacturers facing similar challenges, but the process is expected to be lengthy and complex.
For more on Jaguar Land Rover’s challenges in China, seeJaguar Lang Rover Forced to Accept Jianglings Range Rover Evoque Lookalike.
