Hypertherm Announces Settlement in Patent Infringement Lawsuit

Hypertherm (Hanover, NH) has announced a favorable settlement in a patent infringement lawsuit against the American Torch Tip Corporation (ATTC).

Exact terms are undisclosed, however the settlement includes a cash payment from ATTC to Hypertherm, and an agreement that ATTC will stop producing the parts at issue in the lawsuit. In addition, ATTC has agreed to destroy key parts in its inventory for Hypertherm?s HyPerformance HPR systems.

"Hypertherm devotes an enormous amount of resources to the development of technologically advanced plasma cutting systems and consumables,? said Evan Smith, Hypertherm?s vice president and general manager. ?We believe that our innovations deliver unique advantages and superior productivity and profitability for Hypertherm?s customers. As such, we are very protective of our inventions and will use whatever legal means necessary to ensure that our patents are not violated.?

Hypertherm filed suit against ATTC in 2005 for infringing four patented technologies. Those patents covered Hypertherm technology designed to deliver faster cut speeds, longer consumable life, improved cut quality, better torch cooling, and dross-free performance to customers using genuine Hypertherm consumables. The Hypertherm patents cover more than 30 consumable parts for approximately 20 Hypertherm systems. Terms of the settlement prohibit ATTC from continuing to manufacture these parts.

www.hypertherm.com