Appellate Court Affirms Kubota's Win Over John Deere in Patent Case.

News Editors/Legal Writers

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2003

On July 17, 2003, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) affirmed a jury verdict and judgment of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in favor of Kubota in a patent case brought by John Deere.

On March 31, 1999, Deere filed a lawsuit against Kubota Corporation and Kubota Tractor Corporation before the Federal District Court in Illinois claiming that the implement suspension mechanisms of Kubota's TG1860-series lawn and garden tractors and of other models (B-, BX-, and New G-series) infringe a patent owned by Deere. Kubota mounted a vigorous defense to what it felt were groundless allegations.

On April 5, 2002, following a two-week trial, the jury rejected Deere's arguments and issued a verdict that Kubota's implement suspension mechanisms did not infringe Deere's patent. The District Court later affirmed the jury's verdict and issued a final judgment in favor of Kubota.

Deere initiated the lawsuit with a public statement accusing Kubota of copying Deere's technology. The jury's verdict of noninfringement, affirmed by the District Court, rejected Deere's claim and fully supported Kubota's position.

Dissatisfied with the District Court's ruling, Deere filed an appeal with the CAFC on September 9, 2002.

After filing written briefs with the CAFC, both parties presented oral arguments to the CAFC in Washington, D.C. on July 8, 2003. The CAFC, in a swift and summary decision, affirmed the jury verdict and the District Court's judgment, rejecting Deere's appeal and confirming the validity of Kubota's position.

Kubota's developments of technology for its products are advanced and the jury and federal court clearly recognized the validity of Kubota's arguments based on this fact.

Kubota Tractor Corporation markets a complete line of tractors from 12.5 to 99.5 PTO horsepower, along with a line of performance matched implements, compact construction equipment, pumps and generators, consumer lawn and garden equipment and commercial turf products. For more information about Kubota products, contact Kubota Tractor Corporation, 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, California 90503, 1-888-4KUBOTA, ext. 900 or visit the website at www.kubota.com.