Jaguar Land Rover sues BYD over Defender design copy claims

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 03:26 · Archive

Jaguar Land Rover is taking legal action against BYD at The Hague, alleging the Chinese company's Ti7 SUV copies the Land Rover Defender's design.

Bailiffs in the Netherlands have raided BYD offices on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover over allegations that the Chinese company's Ti7 SUV copied designs belonging to JLR. Court-ordered raids on BYD's Schiedam and Hoofddorp premises in August 2026 seized records ahead of a legal challenge beginning this week in The Hague, according to reporting by The Times.

Automotive media have noted similarities between the Ti7 and the Defender, Land Rover's best-selling model globally. Both JLR and BYD have declined to comment on the case. The BYD Ti7 was recently granted approval by Australian authorities, paving the way for the SUV to go on sale in that market. Government documents show two powertrains available: a 200kW plug-in hybrid with two-wheel drive and a 300kW plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive.

BYD is not the only Chinese automaker to launch an SUV with styling similar to the Defender. Others with comparable designs include the Denza B5 and the GWM Haval H7, with the Geely Battleship 700, iCaur V25 and Jetour T2 expected to arrive in future years.

How it is being reported

• BYD offices raided over copycat design allegations – reportJaguar Land Rover is mounting a legal case against BYD at The Hague over claims the Ti7 copied the look of the Defender.Perth Now · 9 Nov, 03:09
• BYD offices raided over copycat design allegations – reportJaguar Land Rover is mounting a legal case against BYD at The Hague over claims the Ti7 copied the look of the Defender.The West Australian · 9 Nov, 03:09

In this story: Jaguar Land Rover · BYD · The Hague · Land Rover Defender · Netherlands

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