4th Aug 2012
The Bombay High Court on 2 August 2012 passed a temporary restriction warning Videocon from selling its washing machine Pebble. Pebble is similar to Whirlpool’s ACE washing machine.
Whirlpool had launched its Ace Washing machine in September 2010 where as Videocon launched its Pebble in June 2012. Pebble is a semi-automatic machine as Whirlpool’s ACE. It has the similar design of wash area and square spin area at lower price. Whirlpool’s Ace 6.8 kg washing machine is priced at 10800 rupees each whereas Videocon’s Pebble washing machine is priced at 8300 rupees.
As per the order, Whirlpool had already registered the design of Ace in July 2009 and is completely permitted to use the design till 2019. The court has ordered Videocon to recall its washing machines.