Two trailer manufacturers appear to be at loggerheads over an alleged patent infringement on a new slope-fronted curtainsider being trialled by a south Wales haulier.
The row centres on a new design from Keighley, West Yorks firm W Trailer Co, which it is calling the Eco Urban. It features a raised front bulkhead using the firm's Eco Roof sloping front, which forms an apex on the roof and then tapers down to the rear doors on a 10m-long chassis.
Roadtransport.com understands that rival trailer firm Don-Bur believes this infringes the patent it holds for its Teardrop trailer, and has issued a patent infringement notice to W Trailer.
Graeme Wilson, managing director of W Trailer, says the roof on the Eco Urban, currently running in APC Overnight livery in south Wales, is simply a version of its standard Eco Deck, which it has produced since 2005.
"This is the only one [of its type] we have built - it is on trial to see if there is any difference [in fuel saving]. We are not looking to infringe on anybody, we have no intention of moving into the Teardrop-type market," he says.
Don-Bur declined to comment.
The 10m-long trailer features a double-deck section in the front and can hold 26 pallets. It is currently being used by APC Celtic Couriers in Burry Port, Dyfed.
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