Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched legal action against BYD in the Netherlands over the design of the Chinese carmaker’s Ti7 seven-seat SUV.
The case centres on allegations that the Ti7 infringes the intellectual property of the Land Rover Defender. JLR is also investigating whether BYD reverse-engineered technology that could have been used in the SUV.
Dutch Authorities Seize BYD Records
According to reports by The Sunday Times, court-appointed bailiffs raided BYD offices in Schiedam and Hoofddorp in August. They seized digital records at JLR’s request.
JLR reportedly wanted the records secured before they could be destroyed. The company is seeking evidence that BYD deliberately copied the Defender’s design rather than independently developing a similar-looking vehicle.
The two companies also appeared before a court in The Hague over how the seized records could be used. BYD reportedly described the seizure as a fishing expedition.
The Dutch court is expected to address procedural matters, including whether the case can proceed and which records JLR may use. JLR is seeking to prevent the Ti7 from entering the European market.
However, the dispute is not expected to be resolved before the SUV goes on sale in January. The case therefore may not affect its initial market launch.
BYD Ti7 Specifications
BYD opened UK orders for the Ti7 in July, with prices starting at £47,995 for the Excellence AWD specification.
The SUV uses BYD’s DM-p plug-in hybrid system. It combines two electric motors, one on each axle, with a longitudinally mounted 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The system produces 408PS (300kW), allowing the Ti7 to accelerate from 0–100km/h in 4.8 seconds. Its top speed is 190km/h.
A 35.6kWh Blade battery provides up to 119km of electric range. BYD states that these figures remain subject to final confirmation.
The Ti7 measures 5,146mm long, 1,995mm wide and 1,865mm tall. It also has a 3,000mm wheelbase.
The first vehicles are scheduled to reach UK showrooms this month, with customer deliveries expected from January.
Previous JLR Design Dispute
This is not the first time JLR has taken legal action over an alleged design copy.
In 2016, the company sued Jiangling Motors in Beijing over the Landwind X7, which JLR claimed copied the Range Rover Evoque.
In March 2019, the Beijing Chaoyang District Court ruled that the X7 copied five unique design features of the Evoque. The court ordered Jiangling Motors to stop producing and selling the vehicle and awarded compensation to JLR.
The current case against BYD will determine whether JLR can establish similar grounds over the Ti7.
