WILMINGTON, Del. (June 12, 2015) — Schrader-Bridgeport International Inc. did not infringe on Bridgestone Americans Tire Operations L.L.C.'s patents on tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors, a jury in the Delaware federal district court ruled June 11.
Bridgestone filed suit against Schrader in May 2013, claiming that Schrader had infringed on its patents for three separate series of TPMS sensors.
The tire maker sought a permanent injunction against Schrader from manufacturing or selling any of the allegedly infringing sensors, as well as monetary damages and a compulsory ongoing licensing fee to compensate for any future patent infringements.
The Delaware jury reached a verdict that Bridgestone had not proven its case. Doug Croxall, founder and CEO of Marathon Patent Group Inc., said his firm was disappointed with the verdict.
“It is a decision Bridgestone will promptly appeal, as we believe the jury erred in their verdict,” Croxall said.
Marathon Patent Group is a patent acquisition and monetization company, according to a Marathon press release. IP Liquidity, Marathon's wholly owned subsidiary, owns contract rights to the revenue associated with the outcome of this lawsuit, the release said.
Marathon advised Bridgestone on the case and provided “substantially all” of the financing of the litigation, the release said.
Neither Bridgestone nor Schrader executives could be reached for comment at Tire Business' press time.