1st victory for Hanse Yachts
Without ever naming its competitor, Hanse Yachts group congratulates itself in a press release on its court victory against an Italian shipyard that copied the Fjord 42, a top-of-the-range model in its motorboat line. The Italian court ruling now prohibits the convicted shipyard from building, selling or delivering the offending model, as well as promoting or exhibiting it, Hanse Yachts said. Contacted by BoatIndustry, the German group confirmed that the procedure was aimed at the Pardo 43, the first powerboat of the Italian shipyard known for its Grand Soleil yachts.
Full copy according to Hanse Yachts
When asked by BoatIndustry, Hanse Yachts did not want to detail the arguments presented in court. The CEO of the shipyard, Jens Gerhardt, however, insists on the importance of the copy in the press release. "Until now, some details were copied, such as the Uni Door from Dehler or the line of glazing, which is a signature of the Sealine and Hanse families. We've taken it sportingly until now, and seen it as a compliment in some way to our innovation and design quality. But copying an entire boat is something we can't accept."
The Latin cousin of Fjord 42
During the presentation of the Pardo 43 during the autumn shows, the similarities between the new Italian model and the Fjord 42 were underlined by many observers and part of the specialized press. The general lines of the two open hulls, and the T Top that covers them, have obvious common points. But should we talk about a complete copy? One has a classic bow and the other an inverted bow. According to Hanse Yachts, the court saw it as a "Latin version" of the Fjord 42.
Bad timing for Del Pardo
The decision could be particularly negative for the Del Pardo shipyard. Indeed, the Italian press echoed rumors, later denied by the general manager Fabio Planamente, according to which the Trevisani family, owner of the shipyard, could consider selling the company to consolidate the rest of its activities.
