ESCO Corporation Sues Bradken Limited for Patent Infringement

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ESCO Corporation announced today that it filed a lawsuit against Bradken Limited in the Federal Court of Australia in the NSW district.

“The investments we’ve made in our intellectual property, including product innovations covered by our patents, differentiate ESCO products and provide superior performance for our customers compared to those of our competitors”

The lawsuit seeks a ruling that Bradken’s products infringe on ESCO’s Australia Patent numbers 743348, 718560, 716062, 699365, 696335, 678964 and violate the Australian Consumer Law with its sale and distribution of various Bradken products. All six ESCO patents are specific to wear parts and their use in mining and other industries. The lawsuit requests monetary damages and an order permanently enjoining Bradken from continued acts of infringement.

In 2011, ESCO ended a long-term licensing agreement with Bradken under which Bradken relied upon and used ESCO specifications, ESCO know how and ESCO’s patents to manufacture and sell certain ESCO products. Upon the agreement’s termination on June 30, 2011, Bradken was no longer authorized to make ESCO products or use ESCO’s patented technology and know how.

“The investments we’ve made in our intellectual property, including product innovations covered by our patents, differentiate ESCO products and provide superior performance for our customers compared to those of our competitors,” said Jon Owens, President of Engineered Products and Senior Vice President of ESCO Corporation. “Innovation is one of our greatest assets, and we intend to vigorously protect our intellectual property rights.”

About ESCO Corporation

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, ESCO Corporation is a leading independent designer, manufacturer and provider of highly engineered wear parts and replacement products used in mining, infrastructure development, power generation, aerospace and industrial applications. The company operates in 21 countries on six continents, including an expansive network of 36 manufacturing facilities and 48 sales and distribution offices.