In August 2007, Grundfos Pumps filed a patent infringement action against Laing Thermotech involving two patents. The patents-in-suit are those that protect Grundfos’ Comfort System domestic hot water technology.
Laing manufactured and sold its Autocirc2 system, which incorporates a water pump and bypass valve combination. Grundfos alleged that Laing’s Autocirc2 System infringed on the patents-in-suit.
Included within the court order are the following points:
- Laing acknowledged and admitted that U.S. Patent Nos. 6,536,464 and 7,073,528 are owned by Grundfos and are valid and enforceable in all respects, including with respect to any future litigation, with regard to any products or parties and for all purposes.
- Laing has acknowledged and admitted that its manufacture, use, sale and offer for sale in the United States of its Autocirc2 System infringed claims of U.S. patent Nos. 6,536,464 and 7,073,528.
Final judgment was entered in favor of Grundfos; Laing is prohibited from manufacturing and offering for sale the Autocirc2 water pump and bypass valve system in the United States as long as the Grundfos patents remain in force.
