Rebecca Hubbard
Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 12:24 pm

James Dyson, inventor of the iconic brand

After a High Court ruled that a rival’s vacuum cleaner did not copy a Dyson design, the the hi-tech vacuum company is being advised to seek permission to appeal against the ruling.

The judgement ruled that Vax's Mach Zen cylinder vacuum cleaner did not at all infringe the registered design of the DC02. 

Dyson still believes however that design features such as the large wheels, the angle of the clear bin and the line of the handle on the Vax machine too closely resemble Dyson's design. 

The DC02, engineered in 1994, was Dyson's first cylinder machine. Its characteristic appearance caused it to be easily noticeable across the globe. The vacuum's appearance is so distinguished that examples can be found in New York and San Francisco Museums of Modern Art.

"What is the point of UK registered design law if not to protect novel and striking designs such as the DC02 design?" Dyson said. 

After Rolls Royce, Dyson is the second highest UK patent filer. It may now seek leave to appeal.