Wind Energy

Wind energy – Federal Appeals Court Sets Hearing Date in GE Patent Dispute with Mitsubishi

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit set February 10, 2011, as the hearing date in which it will hear arguments in GE’s patent dispute against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) for certain wind turbines technologies that GE alleges MHI has infringed.

GE spokesman Dan Nelson released the following statement:

“GE remains confident that a previous decision by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in February 2010 contained errors that provide the grounds for a reversal, and that it has valid claims against MHI for patent infringement.

“The three patents GE seeks to enforce at the ITC are recognized by many wind turbines manufacturers that have licensed one or more of the GE patents.

“The patented technologies provide major benefits including improved performance, increased energy production and improved grid stability.

“Protecting intellectual property rights is essential to the health and development of clean energy technology. Strong intellectual property rights promote investment, foster innovation, and encourage commercial deployment of technology.

“GE remains confident in the merits of its appeal and will continue to protect its technology in the U.S. and around the world.”

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