Bridgestone alleges TRW infringed pressure monitoring patents

ERJ staff report (TB)

Wilmington, Delaware – Bridgestone Americas is suing TRW Automotive Inc. and its EnTire Solutions L.L.C. subsidiary for allegedly infringing Bridgestone's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) patents, reports Tire Business.

Filed on 6 September in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the complaint accuses TRW and EnTire Solutions of making and selling TPMS devices and sensors that violate the "787," "885" and "476" patents held by Bridgestone.

"Defendants' infringement has caused irreparable injury to Bridgestone and will continue to cause irreparable injury until defendants are enjoined from further infringement from this court," the complaint said.

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and TRW Automotive U.S. L.L.C. also are named as defendants in the case.

Besides a permanent injunction against the sale of the TRW and EnTire Solutions TPMS devices, Bridgestone seeks compensatory damages; a compulsory ongoing licensing fee; an accounting for any infringing sales not presented at trial, with an award of additional damages; and attorneys' fees and court costs.

A TRW spokesman said TRW never comments on ongoing litigation.

TRW and Michelin North America Inc. founded EnTire Solutions in 2003 as a 50-50 joint venture to develop and manufacture tire pressure monitoring systems.

TRW acquired Michelin's stake in the joint venture in January 2009.