WILMINGTON, Del.—Oral arguments have begun in Delaware federal district court in the patent infringement lawsuit brought against TRW Automotive Inc. and its EnTire Solutions L.L.C. subsidiary by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations L.L.C.
In the lawsuit it first filed in September 2013, Bridgestone accuses TRW and EnTire Solutions of selling tire pressure monitoring systems, including sensors, which violate Bridgestone patents. At issue are the patents designated “787,” “885” and “476,” all held by Bridgestone.
Besides a permanent injunction against the sale of TRW and EnTire Solutions TPMS devices, Bridgestone seeks compensatory damages; a compulsory ongoing licensing fee; an accounting for any infringing sales not presented at trial, with an additional damage award; and attorneys' fees and court costs.
In opening arguments Sept. 14, Tara D. Elliott, an attorney representing Bridgestone, told jurors that the differences between Bridgestone and TRW TPMS devices were so small as to leave TRW without a defense, according to Automotive Law360, a legal website specializing in automotive litigation.
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and TRW Automotive U.S. L.L.C. are co-defendants with TRW Automotive Inc.
On Aug. 3, the three TRW entities filed a motion to dismiss Bridgestone's case. In the motion, TRW argued Bridgestone had not proved its standing to sue TRW.
Press releases and investor presentations, TRW said, showed that Marathon Patent Group Inc. and its subsidiary IP Liquidity Ventures L.L.C. actually own the contract and revenue rights associated with the outcome of the case.
However, Judge Gregory M. Sleet of the Delaware federal court denied TRW's motion Sept. 4. The issues involving Marathon and IP Liquidity are irrelevant to any issues in Bridgestone's case, Sleet ruled.