√Federal Court finds Uniden infringed on GME radio design

A David versus Goliath battle has spilled into the Aussie outback, as GME fights to protect its innovative CB radio.

The Federal Court has ruled a new UHF radio from Japanese giant Uniden has infringed on an Australian-designed and built product from GME.

The case relates to the Uniden’s Xtrak series of fixed in-car smart UHF radios released in August 2021, which came with a handset design that shares a striking similarity with GME’s range of XRS radios.

Often colloquially referred to as CB radios, UHFs are considered a must-have accessory for farmers, truck drivers, caravaners, or those travelling off road – often becoming a lifeline in areas where there is no mobile phone coverage available.

GME’s XRS range was one of the first ‘smart UHF’ products to enter the market back in 2020, allowing users to connect the two-way radio to a smartphone via Bluetooth, transmit GPS locations, and send 32-character messages over the airwaves via an app.

In his ruling, the Hon Justice Stephen Burley found GME had established a case of design infringement, stating the overall shape and the button design was “substantially similar in overall impression to the GME [product]”.

“Uniden respects the ruling and has taken note of the adjustments that are required,” Uniden Australia Managing Director Vic Sacco told Drive in a statement.

“This decision only impacts one model in the Uniden range, and the business will address concerns with a revised designed product to be available in the market shortly.”

Uniden is one of the world’s largest wireless telecommunications manufacturers, established in Japan in 1966 before expanding into the Australian market in 1989. The company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of ¥17.75 billion ($AU193 million).

Founded locally in 1959, GME is the only company that designs and manufactures UHF radios in Australia, and remains privately owned.

The post Federal Court finds Uniden infringed on GME radio design appeared first on Drive.