Eaton launches patent claim against ArvinMeritor

CLEVELAND, (Dec. 2, 2003) — Eaton Corporation, maker of heavy-duty drivetrain systems, has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission, requesting that the government agency investigate ZF Meritor, ArvinMeritor, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG “for importing ZF Meritor’s FreedomLine transmission system and components that infringe various Eaton patents.”

Eaton has asked the ITC to issue an “Exclusion Order” prohibiting FreedomLine from being imported into the U.S., as well as a cease-and-desist order halting the sale of the product in the country.

Eaton said in its filings that it believes the FreedomLine transmission system infringes Eaton’s patent rights and that it has filed these actions to protect Eaton’s patented technology. Eaton said it has invested considerable time and money developing its technology and intends to defend these patents vigorously against infringement by others.