US Court of Appeals affirms patent ruling for Midtronics vs. Argus Analyzers/BP Power

Midtronics, Inc. announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the original ruling in favor of Midtronics in its patent infringement case against Aurora Performance Products LLC, et al., (Argus Analyzers and BP Power). The decision upholds Midtronics’ rights as the inventor of industry-leading technology in battery diagnostics. 

Like this article? Sign up for our enews blasts here.

In the original decision, issued in August 2011, Senior United States District Judge Milton I. Shadur issued findings and an opinion that he called “a complete victory in favor of Midtronics against defendants.” Judge Shadur found that Argus and BP Power willfully infringed one of Midtronics’ foundational patents by importing, offering for sale, and selling their automotive battery testers sold under the Argus Analyzers trade name, and issued an injunction against certain products during the life of the patent.

Argus/BP Power subsequently appealed the lower court’s opinion, but the U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the original ruling on a “per curiam” basis without opinion, meaning the court found no new or interesting points of law or fact worthy of discussion. U.S. Circuit Judges Newman, Lourie, and O’Malley issued the U.S. Court of Appeals judgment on August 20, finding no issues with Judge Shadur’s original decision based on the facts of the case.

“The court's decision definitively validates one of our foundational patents and the strength of our intellectual property portfolio,” says Steve McShane, President and CEO of Midtronics. “Midtronics will vigorously defend our innovative technologies as we continue to invest in and advance battery management.” 

The appeals court upheld the ruling that Argus/BP Power must pay Midtronics’ attorneys' fees and other litigation costs based on defendants’ willful infringement and the recklessness of their litigation conduct. 

About Midtronics

Midtronics is a worldwide leader and provider of transportation and stationary battery testing and management products and services. Founded in 1984, Midtronics remains singularly focused on advancing battery management, supplying customers with best-in-class diagnostic, charging and management solutions. Beyond current technologies, Midtronics is also committed to ongoing innovation in battery chemistries and vehicle systems, including hybrid and electric platforms. Visit www.midtronics.com for more information.