WBIP, LLC v. Kohler Co., No. 15-1038 (Fed. Cir. 2016)
Annotate this CaseWesterbeke and Kohler manufacture and sell marine generators (gen-sets). The exhaust from prior art gen-sets was vented out of the boat, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that carbon monoxide levels in the swim areas of some boats were at or above levels that are immediately dangerous to life and health. The Westerbeke patents, which claim priority to 2003, are directed to marine engine systems that reduce carbon monoxide, using chemical catalysts, which work better at higher temperatures. Regulations for marine gen-sets require that exposed engine and exhaust system surface temperatures be kept low. Typical marine engines use seawater to cool exhaust gases and keep surface temperatures low. At a 2004 boat show, Westerbeke introduced its low–carbon monoxide gen-set (Safe-CO), incorporating the technology of the patents, and explained the technology to Kohler representatives. A year later, Kohler launched its own low–carbon monoxide gen-sets. In an ensuing suit, a jury found that Kohler had infringed and had failed to prove that any claims were invalid for obviousness or for lack of written description, calculated damages of $9,641,206, and found that Kohler’s infringement was willful. The court denied a permanent injunction, reduced the damages to $3,775,418, granted enhanced damages under 35 U.S.C. 284, found the case exceptional under 35 U.S.C. 285, and awarded attorney fees. The Federal Circuit affirmed, but remanded for reconsideration of a permanent injunction.
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