3D SYSTEMS SUIT CLAIMS HIGH-TECH PATENT VIOLATIONS.Byline: Daily News A Valencia manufacturer of devices that create three-dimensional models from computer images is suing an East Coast company, claiming patent infringement patent infringement n. the manufacture and/or use of an invention or improvement for which someone else owns a patent issued by the government, without obtaining permission of the owner of the patent by contract, license or waiver. and unfair competition. 3D Systems Corp. filed a lawsuit Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. against Aaroflex Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. 3D's complaint, Aaroflex has announced the availability of and claims it has sold, although not delivered, equipment that offers the same functions as 3D's line of rapid prototyping systems. Officials with Aaroflex did not return calls seeking comment. A. Sidney Alpert, 3D's vice president and general counsel, said the complaint alleges infringement of six patents. The complaint further alleges that Aaroflex is engaging in acts of unfair competition, including intentionally misstating comparisons of its equipment to the 3D machines, and falsely describing its own and 3D's patent coverage. Alpert said that 3D will seek a preliminary injunction A temporary order made by a court at the request of one party that prevents the other party from pursuing a particular course of conduct until the conclusion of a trial on the merits. A preliminary injunction is regarded as extraordinary relief. to halt delivery and installation of Aaroflex's machines. Alpert said 3D's patents cover use of the Aaroflex machines, as well as their manufacture and sale. 3D Systems develops, manufactures and markets the solid-imaging systems. The company's founder, Charles Hull of Canyon Country, was honored in 1996 by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young as Entrepreneur of the Year in High Technology for the Greater Los Angeles Area The Greater Los Angeles Area, or the Southland, is the agglomeration of urbanized area around the city of Los Angeles, California, United States. There are two "official" definitions—the Los Angeles metropolitan area consisting only of the Los Angeles and Orange . |
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