July 29 - The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued an initial determination in a patent infringement and trade secrets case filed by Manitowoc against Sany Heavy Industries and Sany America.
ITC administrative law judge David Shaw issued a notice of initial determination in certain crawler cranes and components thereof on July 14, 2014.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Manitowoc Cranes alleging violation of Section 337 of the Tarrif Act by respondents Sany Heavy Industries and Sany America in the importation into the US and sale of certain crawler cranes and components, that infringe one or more claims of US patents that were designed and manufactured using Manitowoc Cranes' misappropriated trade secrets.
According to the notice, the judge determined that Sany violated Section 337. The judge determined that Manitowoc demonstrated that "certain accused products infringe claims of the 928 patent" and that Sany engaged in the "misappropriation of certain asserted trade secrets" owned by Manitowoc.
Manitowoc said that it was pleased with the judge's favourable ruling and looks forward to receiving the Commission's final order later this year.
The company also explained that the notice issued by the judge released only limited information, and it will provide more information once the public version of the final initial determination is issued.
Manitowoc exhibiting at ConExpo 2014.
