Bridgestone Succeeds in Trademark Lawsuit

A Chinese court ruled that a tiremaker’s use of the Besttone name and a logo similar to that of the Bridgestone tire brand constitutes trademark infringement. As a result, production and sales of the Besttone brand must stop; Chinese firm Shenzhen Momentum Star Tyre Co. and its affiliate Hangzhou Hangyou Rubber Products Co. must pay Bridgestone damages.

Momentum Star Tyre and Hangyou Rubber Products manufactured and sold tires featuring a ‘Besttone’ logo similar to the registered trademark ‘Bridgestone’ logo for a number of years. In October 2010, Bridgestone filed a lawsuit against the companies in the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court, claiming that these activities constituted trademark infringement. After Bridgestone’s claim was upheld in that court, the companies filed an appeal in the Guangdong Higher People’s Court. In December 2013, Bridgestone’s claim again was upheld and the original court decision was confirmed. (Tyre & Accessories)

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."