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The New Zealand team has rejected claims that they copied the design of the hydrofoil system that will be used on the AC75s at next year’s America’s Cup. Photos / Getty Images, Richard Gladwell
The New Zealand team responded to accusations that they copied a major Brazilian shipbuilder’s design for the foiling monohulls to be used in next year’s America’s Cup.
Naval engineer Manoel Chaves threatened last weekend to take the New Zealand team to court, saying he patented the hydrofoils on the impressive AC75s. According to the Brazilian navigation website nautica.com.br, Chaves claims to have obtained patent registration for the designs in both Brazil and New Zealand, but TNZ refuses to “acknowledge their property rights” despite repeated requests. .
Team NZ, together with Challenger of Record Luna Rossa, announced in September 2017 a switch to 75ft monohulls for the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland.
The AC75 class rule was published in March 2018, which includes “aluminum arms and superelevation system supplied to save design time and construction costs.”
According to the report, Chaves will seek to obtain “legal credits for the hydrofoil system, as well as specific recognition in the patent and industrial property rights office in New Zealand.”
“For more than two years, Team New Zealand lawyers have been sidestepping our lawyers,” Chaves told nautica.com.br.
“Initially, they did not respond to our letters or emails. Now, they refuse to meet with our attorneys.
“It is possibly the typical case of an isolated bureaucrat, who knows nothing about ships and who is believed to be above the law.”
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In a statement to the Herald, TNZ rejected the accusations, adding that “every good idea has 1,000 parents.”
“In July 2020, we responded to allegations made by Chaves. The AC75 laminated edge system design has not been copied or inspired by Chaves’ design in any way, nor does it infringe any patents,” the statement said.
“As we have explained to Mr. Chaves, his patent requires features that are not found on the AC75 yacht.
“We simply reject the accusations and explain why those accusations are wrong.
“Emirates Team NZ will vigorously resist any accusation of infringement that Mr. Chaves decides to bring.”
With a top speed of up to 50 knots, the AC75s have proven to be a challenge for several of the unions; the American team American Magic yesterday published images of the close climb of its second ship Patriot in the port of Waitematā.
