Bosch wins six patent infringement cases

Robert Bosch LLC has aggressively defended the intellectual property wrapped up in its beam blades.

Of 15 legal actions taken, the company has won favorable settlements in six of them. In five others it won default judgments which included injunctions from further manufacturing and distribution.

One other successful district court decision is being appealed.

"Bosch is pleased with the results of these actions as they bear out that Bosch is clearly the innovator of these patented wiper technologies,” said Bosch regional president Odd Joergenrud. “Furthermore, it sends the message to manufacturers and suppliers that Bosch will aggressively defend its intellectual property to the full extent of the law."

He made the statement just prior to the start of the annual Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. The company announced during AAPEX last year that it planned to launch patent infringement lawsuits against some manufacturers and suppliers of beam blades displaying their wares on the show floor.

Last week, Bosch filed a request with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) that it institute an investigation against 14 proposed respondents that Bosch alleges are involved with unlawful imports of ‘flat’ or ‘beam-type’ wiper products that infringe Bosch patents.

In a company statement, Bosch says it continues to devote extensive funding to R&D, investing approximately $5 billion in 2010 and applying for over 3,800 patents worldwide.