A verdict has finally been reached in the dispute between Alpinestars and Dainese, concerning their respective airbag suit technologies for riders.

The “Landgericht” court in Munich found that Alpinestars violated two Dainese patents concerning its D-Air technology, and now Alpinestars can’t sell its Tech-Air products in Germany. Alpinestars will also have to pay Dainese restitution for damages incurred the Italian manufacturer from Alpinestars selling Tech-Air products in Germany. The total will be announced later.

After the verdict, both companies issued press releases explaining their side of the dispute story. Naturally, Alpinestars’ press release disagrees with the judge’s ruling, and says that the company intends to appeal the decision. The manufacturer also reminds all clients that the court decision only affects sales in Germany, which means, Tech-Air equipment will continue to be sold all over the world.

Alpinestars and Dainese are still embroiled in Italy, and Alpinestars has looked to the European Patent Office trying to nullify rulings. Dainese holds similar patents in France, Great Britain, Spain, so it can start to press the competitor on several fronts. The Italian manufacturer claims that Alpinestars has infringed at least five patents in Italy, but no resolution has been reached yet.

Dainese won the battle in Germany, but the war with Alpinestars continues. At the same time, both manufacturers continue to develop their products.

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