February 08, 2011

In a long-running patent infringement dispute between electrical industry competitors Bridgeport Fittings Inc., and Arlington Industries Inc., the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated a Federal District Court summary judgment in favour of Bridgeport, reports that company, regarding Arlington Industries ‘050 and ‘831 patents.

The court of appeals did not decide that Bridgeport did anything wrong nor that Arlington was in the right. The federal court entered a ruling that requires the case to go back to the trial court for further proceedings. Another appeal by Bridgeport is still pending in that appellate court. There is no indication when that appeal will be decided and it has yet to be scheduled in the U.S. Court of Appeals.

The court of appeals expressly withheld ruling on several arguments Bridgeport raised that show that Arlington’s patent does not cover Bridgeport’s devices. Those issues may be resolved in Bridgeport’s other pending appeal or in a subsequent appellate proceeding.

This opinion does not change Bridgeport’s ability to manufacture and sell any of its Whipper-Snap Connector products, nor does it affect the U.S. Patent Office Examiner’s finding that Arlington’s ‘831 patent claims are invalid, says Bridgeport. The Patent Office’s decision in that regard has been appealed by Arlington. Bridgeport’s Whipper-Snap Connector products are covered by a number of Bridgeport’s own patents.

Bridgeport says it remains confident that it will prevail.

CLICK HERE for Bridgeport.

CLICK HERE for Arlington.