Kumho Tire USA Inc., a leading Georgia-based tire manufacturer, has filed a federal lawsuit against North Carolina-based GE Tires Online Inc. for alleged trademark infringement and unfair competition. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, centers on Kumho Tire NC seller trademark infringement related to the unauthorized sale of products falsely marketed as new.
According to the lawsuit, GE Tires Online is accused of violating the Lanham Act by selling tires on Amazon using Kumho’s federally registered trademarks, despite the products being “used, closed-out, liquidated, counterfeit, and/or nongenuine.” Kumho alleges that GE Tires deliberately removed serial codes from its branded products and marketed them as new, misleading consumers and damaging Kumho’s reputation for quality.
“In May, we purchased a tire advertised as new from GE Tires, only to find it scuffed, dirty, and missing its original barcode sticker,” said a Kumho spokesperson. “This conduct harms both our brand and our customers.”
Kumho emphasized that it is not affiliated with GE Tires and cannot vouch for the condition or performance of the products the seller offers under the Kumho name. The company is seeking a permanent injunction to stop GE Tires from using its intellectual property, in addition to treble damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
The lawsuit highlights Kumho’s longstanding commitment to providing high-quality products since its trademarks were first registered in 1995.
Kumho Tire is represented by Daniel D. McClurg and Morgan T. Nickerson of K&L Gates LLP. The case is Kumho Tire USA Inc. v. GE Tires Online Inc., Case No. 3:25-cv-00421.
