ITC Rules in Favor of SMC Corporation By Invalidating Competitor’s Patent

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2011  

Alexandria, Va. – The International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled against a Colorado-based company regarding its claims that SMC Corporation and SMC Corporation of America violated 19 U.S.C. Section 1337 with unfair practices in import trade.

In making its determination on March 8, 2011, the ITC reversed an earlier decision made by an administrative law judge and found that a Norgren, Inc. patent was invalid as obvious and thus terminated the investigation with a finding of no violation.  The U.S. patent at issue is number 5,372,392.

In the complaint, Norgren requested an order prohibiting SMC from importing into the United States certain connecting devices used to connect filters, regulators, and lubricators installed in compressed air systems.

SMC is represented in this matter by Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P.

Norgren, Inc. is represented by Ollila Law Group, LLC.

The case is In re: Certain Connecting Devices ("Quick-Clamps") For Use With Modular Compressed Air Conditioning Units, Including Filters, Regulators, And Lubricators ("FRL's") That Are Part Of Larger Pneumatic Systems And The FRL Units They Connect, U.S. International Trade Commission, Investigation Number 337-TA-587.

Assisting clients for 40 years, Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P., in Alexandria, Va., is one of the largest intellectual property specialty firms in the United States. The firm provides a full range of intellectual property services, including litigation matters in all courts. The firm also continues to have a significant trademark, copyright and patent interference practice.