VSG, Stertil-Koni to cross-license technologies

MADISON, Ind. (March 27, 2013) — Vehicle lift makers Vehicle Service Group (VSG) and Stertil-Koni USA Inc. have agreed to license patented heavy-duty vehicle lift technology to each other, thereby resolving patent infringement lawsuits the companies filed against each other last year.

Under the agreements, details of which are confidential, VSG acknowledges Stertil-Koni's U.S. Patent 8,191,865 — "Device and System for Lifting a Motor Vehicle" — as it applies to Stertil-Koni's Ecolift line of heavy-duty inground scissor lifts.

The patent covers the Ecolift system, including the combination of the scissor mechanisms, carriage, cover and other parts, which Stertil-Koni claims is the industry's first U.S. patented, ultra-shallow, full-rise, in-ground scissor-lifting system.

VSG has agreed to pay an undisclosed licensing fee for the use of this patented technology on its Rotary Lift EFX series of heavy-duty inground scissor lifts.

Stertil-Koni filed suit against VSG last August in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

In turn, VSG said, Stertil-Koni acknowledges VSG's U.S. Patent 6,983,196 — "Electronically Controlled Vehicle Lift and Vehicle Service System" — which covers 19 different elements that relate to computerized lift controls, lift data display and networking lifts together.

This patented technology makes it possible, VSG said, to provide lift operators with valuable feedback on the status of the lift, maintenance alerts, service manuals and other information through a control panel on the lift itself. Stertil-Koni has now agreed, as have other manufacturers, to pay a licensing fee to use this patented technology on its mobile column lifts.

"By resolving these issues, heavy-duty lift industry leaders VSG and Stertil-Koni jointly ensure that all of our customers have access to cutting-edge lift technology," said Kirk Dawson, vice president, heavy-duty for VSG.

"This agreement will ultimately increase the number of lift options containing advanced features that enhance safety and productivity, which is in all of our customers' best interests."

Stertil-Koni USA President Jean DellAmore stated: "Based on this license agreement, Stertil-Koni is proud to be able to expand the benefit of the Ecolit design to more heavy-duty lift users in the U.S. and Canada."

Madison-based VSG comprises nine vehicle lifting and collision repair brands, including Rotary Lift, Forward Lift, Direct-Lift, Hanmecson and Revolution Lift. VSG is part of the Engineered Systems segment of Dover Corp.

Stevensville, Md.-based Stertil-Koni USA is a member of Kootstertille, Netherlands-based Stertil Group, which claims to be the global market leader in heavy-duty vehicle lifts. The company manufactures its equipment in the U.S. and Europe.