CPC settles lawsuit with Oregon Parts Company
On Jan. 4, Certified Parts Corporation (CPC) announced the settlement of its patent infringement case against Blount Industries, the owner of Oregon Parts Company. The lawsuit accused Blount of selling certain carburetors covered by patents owned by CPC as part of its purchase of certain assets of TecumsehPower Company. The litigation sought an immediate stop sale and damages from Blount for sales of the infringing carburetors.
Under the terms of the settlement, Blount (Oregon) has agreed to immediately stop sale of the carburetors and destroy all inventory in the distribution channels and at its facilities. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
“We are pleased this case was settled in our favor,” stated James Grafft, CEO of Certified Parts Corporation. “We will vigorously pursue any case of illegal use of our intellectual property. The patents and designs we own are a vital part of our efforts to re-introduce engines previously manufactured by TecumsehPower to the market.”
The engines Grafft referred to will be produced under the original Lauson brand name, which dates back to 1895, making it America’s oldest engine company.
Certified Parts Corporation purchased certain assets of TecumsehPower Company in 2009, and provides production engines and parts for TecumsehPower (Lauson) engines. In 2010, CPC purchased the assets of Hoffco/Comet and has restarted production in its Wisconsin facilities. CPC is also a large supplier of vintage parts for the recreational vehicle industry. More information regarding CPC can be found at www.CertifiedPartsCorp.com or by calling (608) 752-9441, ext. 10.
