LS2 Helmets says it has achieved a “significant legal victory” in its four-year-long court battle with Shark Helmets over flip-front helmet design patents. According to information released by LS2, the Spanish Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the French brand, definitively ruling in favour of LS2 and closing the case concerning an alleged patent infringement related to modular helmets.
LS2 also claims that the ruling confirms that its Convert and Valiant models do not infringe on the patent registered by Shark in 2005, which expires at the end of this year.
“This decision is a strong endorsement of the legality and originality of LS2 products, reinforcing its leadership in design and innovation within the sector,” said an LS2 statement. “It also validates the strength of the brand’s international patent portfolio, including that of the Valiant, which is recognised by the European Patent Office.”
At the same time LS2 has re-organised its company structure, with a new name for its European arm, which changes from Tech Design Team to LS2 Motogear Europe SLU. In Spain, where the company has its European HQ, an SLU (Sociedad Limitada Unipersonal) is a limited liability company, similar to a UK limited company. Its UK operation stays as Tech Design Team UK Ltd.
The European company says its new name reflects not only a renewed commitment to the European market but also its expansion into clothing, with a complete range of motorcycle apparel, including helmets, jackets, gloves, trousers, protective equipment and accessories.
“The transition to LS2 Motorgear Europe SLU symbolises our intention to be even closer to the European customer, adapting to their needs and to market evolution,” said Giuseppe Porcu, CEO of LS2 in Europe.