CPC settles lawsuit with Oregon Parts Co.

JANESVILLE, Wis. – Certified Parts Corp. (CPC) settled its patent infringement case against Blount Industries, the owner of Oregon Parts Co. The lawsuit accused Blount of selling certain carburetors covered by patents owned by CPC as part of its purchase of certain assets of TecumsehPower Co. The litigation sought an immediate stop sale and damages from Blount for sales of the infringing carburetors.

Under the terms of the settlement, Blount (Oregon) has agreed to immediately stop sale of the carburetors and destroy all inventory in the distribution channels and at their facilities. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

“We are pleased this case was settled in our favor,” said James Grafft, CEO of Certified Parts Corp.. “We will vigorously pursue any case of illegal use of our intellectual property. The patents and designs we own are a vital part of our efforts to re-introduce engines previously manufactured by TecumsehPower to the market.” The engines Grafft referred to will be produced under the original Lauson brand name which dates back to 1895.

Certified Parts Corp. purchased certain assets of TecumsehPower Co. in 2009, and provides production engines and parts for TecumsehPower (Lauson) engines. In 2010, CPC purchased the assets of Hoffco/Comet and has restarted production in their Wisconsin facilities. CPC is also a supplier of vintage parts for the recreational vehicle industry.