- UK Innovations Group Ltd remains free to produce and retrofit
their innovative eControl System.
LONDON, July 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A significant David v
Goliath legal battle between award winning UK Innovations Group Ltd
and AGA Rangemaster Group Limited has ended.
AGA, owned by US firm Middleby, pursued a legal claim on
multiple grounds against UK Innovations Group and Director
Michael McGinley, accusing them of
copyright and trademark infringement. The claim was brought in
respect of 26 AGA cookers which had been refurbished and
retrofitted with UK Innovation Group's innovative eControl system
which can be retrofitted to radiant heat storage cookers, of which
an AGA is one model, renovating them to make them more efficient
and controllable.
AGA's complaints included that the work to renovate the cookers,
through the replacement of original AGA components with replica
parts and the conversion from fossil fuel to electronic control by
the fitting of the eControl System, meant it was no longer an AGA.
In this instance the judge found no legitimate reasons to oppose
either the renovation or conversion works. Importantly AGA did not
object to the sale, supply or installation of the eControl
System.
The win is fantastic news for the innovative technology company,
who have already converted thousands of AGAs in the UK and in May
won the award of UK's Most Innovative Company at the Biz X Awards,
but also for owners of radiant heat storage cookers. The rising
cost of living, particularly energy prices, mean many of these
household appliances are expensive to run, and even more expensive
to replace. Retrofitting the eControl System means a kitchen
classic can be brought into the modern era, with greater control of
the appliance and, crucially, converting them from fossil fuel to
electric, resulting in owners making savings whilst greatly
extending the life of their appliance.
Despite AGA Rangemaster's claims, the court ruled in favour of
the defendants on the crucial issues of copyright infringement and
on two out of three trade mark claims, with AGA prevailing on a
single minor point regarding historic invoices and marketing
material. The judgment confirmed that UK Innovations' refurbishment
and resale activities did not violate AGA Rangemaster's trademarks
or copyright and UK Innovations Group Ltd remains free to produce
and retrofit their innovative eControl System. The judgement can be
seen as a victory for the wider industry and the green
movement.
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