Loeb & Loeb LLP secured a post-trial victory for client Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global industrial equipment manufacturer, in a patent-infringement dispute concerning tools and methods for cleaning automotive intake systems.
Following a nearly four-week jury trial in November 2012 in the United States District Court, Southern District of California, the jury awarded ITW $5.55 million for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,073,638 (‘638) by ITW competitor MOC Products Company (MOC). On June 25, 2013, U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino upheld the jury verdict by denying all of MOC’s post-trial motions on the issues of patent invalidity, damages, and MOC’s equitable defenses. In addition, Judge Sammartino granted all of ITW’s post-trial motions, holding that MOC willfully infringed and deliberately copied the ‘638 patent, and that the asserted claims were not obvious. Based on the Court’s Order and MOC’s willful infringement, ITW is entitled to seek enhanced damages.
Loeb & Loeb's trial team acting on behalf of ITW was led by partner Laura A. Wytsma.
ITW is a Fortune 150 global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses. The company focuses on profitable growth and strong returns across worldwide platforms and businesses. The businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets.
Loeb & Loeb’s Patent Litigation and Counseling Practice represents clients from around the world in all manner of patent disputes, as well as patent prosecution and strategic counseling. The firm has litigated infringement, validity and enforceability of patents in every technology field, including biotechnology, computer hardware and software, consumer products, industrial products, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.