Eaton says ArvinMeritor infringed on transmission patents

Eaton Corporation yesterday announced it has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in Washington, D.C., requesting that the ITC initiate an investigation of ZF Meritor LLC, ArvinMeritor and ZF Friedrichshafen AG for violating the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing ZF Meritor's FreedomLine transmission system and components that infringe various Eaton patents. Eaton has asked the ITC to issue an "Exclusion Order" prohibiting the importation into the United States of the FreedomLine transmission system and components, as well as a cease-and-desist order halting the sale in the United States of these infringing imported products. ArvinMeritor spokesperson Krista McClure said: “We have not been served with any papers in this case, and we have not seen the complaint.” Eaton also filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court in Detroit, Michigan based on infringement of Eaton patents. Eaton has asked the Federal District Court in Detroit to enter a permanent injunction prohibiting the sale of FreedomLine transmissions in the United States, whether or not imported, and also for an award of damages based on ZF Meritor's infringement of Eaton's patents.