Lufthansa Technik AG v Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems & Anor

Lufthansa Technik AG v Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems & Anor

Claims 1 and 2 of the patent are novel and inventive over Neuenschwander and Sellati because they require full plug insertion and remoteness of the supply device, features not disclosed or obvious in the prior art. The patent is valid and infringed by all defendants: Astronics and Safran by supply and assembly, Panasonic by common design liability.

Parties
Claimant: Lufthansa Technik AG; Defendant: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems; Defendant: Safran Seats GB Limited; Defendant: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
22 July 2020
Procedural Posture
Patent Infringement / Final Judgment
Outcome
Patent held valid and infringed by all defendants.
Legal Topics
Patent Validity, Patent Infringement, Novelty, Inventive Step, Claim Construction, Indirect Infringement, Common Design Liability
Intellectual Property Patent Law Patent Validity Patent Infringement Novelty Inventive Step Claim Construction Indirect Infringement +1 more

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Parties

Lufthansa Technik AG

Claimant

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems

Defendant

Safran Seats GB Limited

Defendant

Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Patent Infringement / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether claims 1, 2, 3, and 7 of EP (UK) 0 881 145 B1 are valid over prior art (Neuenschwander, Sellati)
  2. 2 Whether the patent is infringed by Astronics, Safran, and Panasonic
  3. 3 Proper construction of patent claims regarding plug insertion, remoteness, connection, and central voltage source

Ratio Decidendi

Claims 1 and 2 of the patent are novel and inventive over Neuenschwander and Sellati because they require full plug insertion and remoteness of the supply device, features not disclosed or obvious in the prior art. The patent is valid and infringed by all defendants: Astronics and Safran by supply and assembly, Panasonic by common design liability.

Court Disposition

Patent held valid and infringed by all defendants.

Orders

  • Declaration of validity of EP (UK) 0 881 145 B1
  • Declaration of infringement by Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems