Lufthansa Technik AG v Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems & Anor [2025] EWHC 375 (Pat) (21 February 2025)

Lufthansa Technik AG v Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems & Anor [2025] EWHC 375 (Pat) (21 February 2025)

The defendants infringed valid claims of EP(UK) 0,881,145 B1 during the relevant periods. Lufthansa is entitled to an account of profits derived from the patented invention, with deductions only for proven non-infringing alternatives and regulatory constraints. The Teaming Agreement confirms Lufthansa's IP ownership and royalty entitlement. Procedural objections regarding late evidence and hearsay notices are rejected; all relevant documents admitted.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 375 (Pat)
Parties
Claimant: Lufthansa Technik AG; Defendant: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems; Defendant: Safran Seats GB Zodiac Seats UK Limited; Defendant: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Patent Infringement and Account of Profits / Post Liability Judgment, Account of Profits Trial
Outcome
Defendants liable for infringement; account of profits awarded to claimant.
Legal Topics
Patent Infringement, Account of Profits, Regulatory Approval, Non Infringing Alternatives, Apportionment, Teaming Agreements
Intellectual Property Patent Law Patent Infringement Account of Profits Regulatory Approval Non Infringing Alternatives Apportionment Teaming Agreements

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 6 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Lufthansa Technik AG

Claimant

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems

Defendant

Safran Seats GB Zodiac Seats UK Limited

Defendant

Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Patent Infringement and Account of Profits / Post Liability Judgment, Account of Profits Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Validity and infringement of EP(UK) 0,881,145 B1
  2. 2 Scope of liability and account periods for each defendant
  3. 3 Assessment of profits attributable to infringement

Ratio Decidendi

The defendants infringed valid claims of EP(UK) 0,881,145 B1 during the relevant periods. Lufthansa is entitled to an account of profits derived from the patented invention, with deductions only for proven non-infringing alternatives and regulatory constraints. The Teaming Agreement confirms Lufthansa's IP ownership and royalty entitlement. Procedural objections regarding late evidence and hearsay notices are rejected; all relevant documents admitted.

Court Disposition

Defendants liable for infringement; account of profits awarded to claimant.

Orders

  • Defendants to account for profits derived from infringement during relevant periods.
  • Time extended for service of Second and Third Civil Evidence Act notices; documents admitted.