SEALEGS WIN COPYRIGHT CASE

Sealegs International Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Future Mobility Solutions, has been successful in the copyright infringement matter before the High Court.

The defendants, Orion Marine Limited, Darren Leybourne, Smuggler Marine Limited, David Pringle, Stryda Marine, Vladan Zubcic and Yun Zhang (aka Allen Zhang), were found to have infringed on Sealegs’ copyright works and are liable.

The Orion amphibious designs were found to be directly derived from the Sealegs’ design and were substantial copies/reproductions of said design – for which Sealegs International holds copyright.

A court injunction restrains the defendants from infringing on Sealegs’ copyright and prevents them manufacturing, displaying, offering for sale or selling further copies of Sealegs’ designs, in New Zealand or any other country.

The defendants are also prevented from manufacturing, displaying, offering for sale or selling the Orion S25-3WD and/or the Orion S25-4WD amphibious system, either as a separate kit or installed on the hull of a craft.

Sealegs is seeking court costs, as well as damages arising from the sale of the Orion designs, which were based on and infringed Sealegs’ copyright works.

Sealegs has also sought a court order that all the infringing Orion designs are to be destroyed, which will be subject to a further hearing.

The defendants have lodged an appeal.