If you’ve ever used a gas-powered string trimmer, edger, or blower, good chance there was a Walbro carburetor on it. On June 14, 2018, Walbro files patent infringement, with the International Trade Commission, on thirty-five companies. Allegedly, Walbro states 87 different examples of infringement in an array of different products.
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Who is Walbro
Walbro started in 1950 in the great state of Michigan. Since then, Walbro has grown to a global company, shipping more than 400,000,000 carburetors worldwide. Walbro manufactures carburetors, electronic fuel injection systems, ignition systems, fuel tanks, fuel pumps, and valves, as well as fuel storage and distribution systems. In addition, Walbro offers value-added machining, electronics and assembly capabilities. With headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, more than 2300 employed worldwide. The company has ISO certified manufacturing and engineering facilities in the United States, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and China.
Allegation – Walbro Files Patent Infringement
Tucson, Arizona, June 14, 2018 – Walbro LLC today announced that it filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) for unfair practices in import trade to initiate an investigation of thirty-five companies involved in manufacturing, importing or selling products that use carburetors from seven different carburetor manufacturers. The complaint alleges infringement of patented Walbro carburetor technology and includes 87 different examples of infringement in a diverse range of products including chainsaws, hedge trimmers, cultivators, string trimmers, brush cutters, pole saws, hammer drills, water pumps, leaf blowers, sprayers, generators, post drivers, earth augers, ice augers, mini-bikes and aftermarket replacement carburetors. The company is seeking a General Exclusion Order prohibiting importation of infringing products, and a Cease and Desist Order barring further sales of products that contain infringing carburetors.
“Walbro’s carburetor technology enables the performance of outdoor power equipment around the world,” said Matthew Riddle, Chief Executive Officer of Walbro. “The five patents we are asserting represent important technologies that allow these machines to meet consumer performance expectations while also meeting US regulatory emission requirements. The thirty-five named companies are using Walbro technology without paying for it.”
Final Thoughts
At this time, it’s tough to see exactly which 35 companies that Walbro is complaining about. As the case develops, we should be able to bring more information. We don’t enjoy seeing companies on either side of lawsuits, hence affecting honest competition. At the same time, we understand the importance of protection for patents. Patents aren’t easy to come by, furthermore, they’re definitely not cheap either. Now, if they could only sue the EPA and other regulators for making their carb adjustments so difficult.
For information on this case from Walbro, click here .