Bajaj Auto Sued by LML For Using Freedom Brand Name
The iconic Indian motorcycle brand LML’s parent company, SG Corporate Mobility, has sued the Pune-based Bajaj Auto Limited. This lawsuit has been filed by SG Corporate Mobility due to the use of the name “Freedom” by Bajaj Auto for their new CNG bike. The company has argued that Bajaj’s usage of the “Freedom” brand name without authorization is a trademark infringement. LML assigned the “Freedom” trademark to SG Corporate Mobility back in 2021.
Bajaj Auto Sued Over “Freedom” Trademark
SG Corporate Mobility, in its lawsuit, has stated that Bajaj Auto cannot use the Freedom brand name for its CNG motorcycle. The company has highlighted that it is a direct infringement of its trademark. It has added that the trademark is being used without any authorization.
Hence, it is violating their brand’s intellectual property rights. The company has also argued in its lawsuit that this trademark infringement is damaging to their brand. It has stated that LML Freedom motorcycles have built the reputation for this brand name since 2002.
SG Corporate Mobility has also added that this infringement will confuse consumers. It has also argued that the use of the Freedom brand by Bajaj will weaken the long-standing goodwill that LML has built over the years.
Plans to Revive LML and Freedom
As per reports, SG Corporate Mobility has been working to relaunch the LML brand in India. The parent company of LML is planning to re-enter the Indian two-wheeler market by leveraging the Freedom brand name.
According to the company, it is in the process of launching new scooters and motorcycles with the help of its sister company, LML Emotion Pvt Ltd. Also, the company, in 2022, launched the LML Star Electric scooter and is planning to add more electric two-wheelers to its portfolio.
SG Corporate Mobility Manufacturing Plans
Presently, SG Corporate Mobility has entered a partnership with Saera Electric Auto. Under this partnership, the company will utilize Saera Electric Auto’s manufacturing plant in Bawal, Haryana. At the moment, which exact vehicles will be produced in this plant under the LML brand has not been revealed.
Bajaj Freedom
At the moment Bajaj has not officially responded to the media. Now for those who may not remember, back in July of this year, Bajaj Auto Limited launched the Freedom 125 motorcycle in India. It is the world’s first-ever CNG motorcycle. This innovative motorcycle has been launched at a price of Rs 95,000, and it goes up to Rs 1.10 lakh. There is also a mid-variant priced at Rs 1.05 lakh.
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder engine. It generates a maximum power of 9.4 bhp and 9.7 Nm of torque. This engine comes coupled with a unique bi-fuel system that allows the motorcycle to run on both petrol and CNG.
The bike features a 2 kg CNG tank, which has been ingeniously integrated under the seat, and a 2-liter petrol tank positioned just ahead of the seat. As per the company, the Freedom 125 offers an impressive range of up to 330 kilometers. While running on CNG, the Bajaj Freedom 125 can cover 102 kilometers per kilogram of CNG.