Vax vacuum isn't a Dyson rip-off, court rulesDyson's design infringement claim is rejected
30 July 2010
The Vax Mach Zen
The High Court has rejected Dyson's claim that the design of the Vax Mach Zen vacuum cleaner was 'flagrantly copied' from the Dyson DC02.
As we reported back in February, Dyson brought legal action against rival vacuum cleaner manufacturer Vax for infringement of the 16-year-old design of its DC02 bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner.
But the High Court has ruled in Vax's favour - a judgment a Dyson spokesperson described as 'a bit of a travesty'. Dyson says it is considering an appeal.
Which? vacuum cleaners expert Vivienne Fitzroy said: 'Dyson has been at the forefront of vacuum cleaner design for years. Most vacuum manufacturers, including Vax, now have their own bagless vacs.'
Vax vs Dyson
The Dyson DC02
Find out how we rate Vax and Dyson vacuum cleaners by checking out our vacuum cleaners review.
Simon Lawson, the managing director of Vax, said: 'We are really pleased with today's decision as it confirms what we've known all along – that the Vax Mach Zen is different to any other vacuum cleaner people can buy.'
In an official statement, Dyson said: 'For Dyson, this case was about pure aesthetic design, not function. What is the point of UK Registered Design law if not to protect novel and striking designs such as the DC02 design?'
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