Danish-headquartered Teradyne Robotics, has started legal action in the German courts against the German subsidiary of Chinese robotics and automation company Elite Robots, for copyright infringement in what it says is a case highlighting “the broader challenge for Europe’s industrial future”.

Teradyne alleges the copyright of its collaborative arm robot development business Universal Robots, was infringed upon by robot maker Elite Robots.

US-based Teradyne, the parent company of Teradyne Robotics, acquired Universal Robots in 2015 for USD285 million.

The company says it had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to Elite Robots’ affiliate in Germany before referring the matter to the German court system.

Teradyne Robotics insists there are wider interests at stake in its case and without strong enforcement of intellectual property rights, “Europe risks losing its ability to scale automation, maintain competitiveness, and safeguard high-standard manufacturing”.

“This decisive step underscores our commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring automation customers have access to the safe and high-quality solutions they deserve,” says Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of Teradyne Robotics Group.

“Both automation and innovation are critical to Europe’s future. We will not allow the products of companies that unlawfully copy protected technologies to compromise customer experience, the intellectual property of our technology sector or Europe’s industrial future.

“Teradyne Robotics is choosing to take a stand against any competitors willing to copy proprietary hardware or software design to undercut on price, and we invite other leaders to join us in defending the integrity of our industry and strength of our economy.”

Universal Robots adds: “This case is about more than intellectual property rights - it’s about protecting the integrity of automation and ensuring customers have access to original and proven solutions. Our message is clear: innovation matters, quality automation matters and we will defend both.”

Forkliftaction News offered Elite Robots the chance to comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.