Bicycle manufacturers Cervélo and Canyon have reached an out-of-court settlement after a long-running dispute regarding the Maximus seat tube patent.

Canyon claimed Cervélo’s RS, R3 – reviewed here – and R3 SL frames violated the patent, with the Maximus seat tube, with its flat, load-bearing design, crafted for maximum bottom bracket stiffness. According to Canyon, the Maximum was first used in 2005 on its Carbon Ultimate F10 and Roadmaster F8 series.

Canyon filed a lawsuit regarding the violation of the patent, which was granted by the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf. The European Patent Office declared the Maximus seat tube fully patentable, but demanded Canyon adjust its claim. It is already patented in nine European countries and corresponding patents have been granted in the USA and China.

The legal action has, according to Cervélo, been “amicably settled after a constructive dialogue between both parties. Both companies regard themselves as highly-innovative companies in the bicycle industry. They inherently acknowledge the other party’s intellectual property and the resulting protective rights.”

Cervélo will continue manufacturing its frames, while, in return, Canyon gets the right to use certain patents of Cervélo. Confidentiality was agreed upon by both parties regarding the details of this arrangement and no further statements will be made.

Cervélo co-founder Gerard Vroomen said: “We’re happy this matter is resolved, that’s good news for both companies and for consumers.”

Canyon chief executive Roman Arnold added: “After the long lasting lawsuit both sides can once again concentrate on what they can do best: build high class, innovative and trendsetting bicycles.”