Off their web page:http://www.3dsystems.com/news/news.asp
Patent Infringement and Unfair Competition Lawsuit
VALENCIA, Calif., December 2, 1998 - 3D
Systems Corporation (Nasdaq NMS: TDSC)
announced today the Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit has reversed a decision of the Los
Angeles Federal District Court that had dismissed
3D's lawsuit for patent infringement and unfair competition against
Aaroflex, Inc. for lack of jurisdiction. In doing so, the Court of
Appeals held that offers by Aaroflex to sell infringing products in
California gave rise to personal jurisdiction in California, and the
Court of Appeals reinstated the lawsuit.
According to 3D's original complaint, Aaroflex had offered to sell
infringing equipment that assertedly offers the same functions as
3D's well-established line of rapid prototyping systems, which
have been sold worldwide by 3D for over ten years.
A. Sidney Alpert, 3D's vice president and general counsel, said
that Aaroflex will now be forced to answer the complaint charging
infringement of six 3D Systems patents and also charging that
Aaroflex is engaging in acts of unfair competition, including
intentionally misstating comparisons of its equipment with 3D
Systems' machines, and falsely describing its own and 3D's patent
coverage.
Alpert said that unless Aaroflex appeals or seeks another manner
of avoiding an answer to the complaint, a substantive proceeding
will begin shortly. Alpert also noted that 3D intends to vigorously
pursue all infringers of its patents, including users of the infringing
machines, as its patents cover use of the infringing Aaroflex
machines, as well as their manufacture and sale.
3D Systems provides solid imaging products and services that let
users move quickly from three-dimensional designs to finished
parts, at a significantly lower cost and higher quality than more
traditional methods. The company's systems - through its
patented stereolithography and 3D printing technologies -
fabricate solid objects from digital input, substantially cutting the
time and costs of bringing new products to market. 3D Systems
was founded in 1986 and is recognized as the world leader in solid
imaging.
To contact 3D Systems, the telephone number is 805-295-5600,
or (toll free) 888-337-9786; fax number is 805-257-1200; e-mail
address is moreinfo@3dsystems.com. For investor information,
please call 3D Systems' shareholder communications service at
800-757-1799.
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Opinions, suggestions, and other controversial matter VOID where prohibited.
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Elaine T. Hunt, Director
Clemson University Laboratory to Advance Industrial Prototyping
206 Fluor Daniel Bldg. Clemson, SC 29643-0925
864-656-0321 (voice) 864-656-4435 (fax)
elaine.hunt@ces.clemson.edu
http://chip.eng.clemson.edu/rp/persall/elaine.html
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