BYD is facing a potentially significant intellectual property dispute with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) after court-appointed bailiffs reportedly raided several of the Chinese automaker’s offices in the Netherlands.

According to The Sunday Times, digital records were seized from BYD premises in Schiedam and Hoofddorp amid concerns that evidence could be destroyed ahead of a court hearing in The Hague.

The proceedings will determine whether BYD must answer allegations that its Ti7 SUV infringes JLR’s intellectual property rights relating to the Land Rover Defender.

JLR reportedly suspects BYD reverse-engineered proprietary technology for the Ti7, rather than merely reproducing elements of the Defender’s distinctive appearance. Both manufacturers have declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings.

The dispute raises important questions about the protection of automotive designs, technical innovations and intellectual property across international markets.

JLR has previously pursued similar legal action, successfully challenging Jiangling Motor Corporation in 2019 over its Landwind X7, which closely resembled the Range Rover Evoque.

However, its attempt to prevent Ineos from producing the Grenadier was unsuccessful, with the UK High Court finding that the Defender’s boxy silhouette lacked sufficient distinctiveness for trademark protection.

The latest dispute comes as BYD expands internationally and JLR faces increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers.

Importantly, allegations of infringement do not establish liability. The Dutch proceedings will determine whether JLR has sufficient grounds to pursue its claims against BYD, potentially setting another significant precedent for intellectual property protection in the automotive industry.