Nortek scores security barrier patent win at USITC
Technology company Nortek has survived a patent infringement complaint filed at the US International Trade Commission (ITC) over its garage door and security gate systems.
The Chamberlain Group, which owns brands such as LiftMaster and Raynor, accused Nortek of infringing three of its patents (US numbers 8,587,404; 7,755,223; and 6,741,052).
Last week, an ITC administrative law judge (ALJ) issued an initial determination clearing Nortek of liability for patent infringement.
Nortek, alongside its home security division Nortek Security & Control, and Florida-based GTO Access Systems, were named as respondents in the complaint.
According to Chamberlain, the infringing products included eight garage door openers and 19 commercial gate operator systems.
Chamberlain accused Nortek of violating section 337 of the Tariff Act by importing the infringing goods into the US.
In her decision, the ITC’s ALJ MaryJoan McNamara ruled that Chamberlain had failed to prove that the Nortek goods infringed its three patents.
Chamberlain previously withdrew certain elements of its complaint, including claims 7 and 16-18 of the ʼ404 patent; claims 9-13, 15, and 27 of the ʼ052 patent; and claims 2, 13, 18-20, and 22 of the ʼ223 patent.
The company also pursued its claims in a patent infringement suit at the US District Court for the Southern District of California.
In June 2018, the court stayed litigation in the case until the ITC issued a final determination.
The commission will now consider the ALJ’s initial determination for approval.
Nortek was represented by Perkins Coie, while Chamberlain was represented by Wilmer Hale.
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