News: Chicago Law Firm Scores Big Win Defending $18 Million Patent Dispute

BEAUMONT, Texas, February 9, 2009 – After a 10-day jury trial, Chicago-based law firm Ungaretti & Harris LLP won a major victory for Ohio-based scale manufacturer, B-Tek Scales, LLC, and its Italian joint venture partner, Bilanciai, in a hard-fought patent case involving digital scale technology. B-Tek and Bilanciai were accused of infringing three patents held by Mettler-Toledo, Inc., a formidable figure in the international scale industry.

Rejecting Mettler-Toledo’s claims for $18 million, the jury returned a verdict of no infringement on any of the three patents. In a further blow to the plaintiff, the jury also held that two of the patents were unenforceable because they were obvious and involved no protectable invention.

“We are obviously extremely pleased with the outcome of the case,” said Ungaretti & Harris Litigation Partner and firm Executive Committee Member F. Thomas Hecht. “We had a talented team that did a superb job.”

Echoing the firm’s view, Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin commented that Ungaretti & Harris trial lawyer Lisa C. Sullivan was among the best trial counsel who has appeared before him.

Ms. Sullivan and Ungaretti & Harris Partner Susan G. Feibus, along with Associates Amy M. Gardner and Richard H. Tilghman IV, tried the case in Texas. Ungaretti & Harris technical assistants Heidi Goldwater and Jennifer Olejniczak were a critical part of the team.

To view subsequent press coverage from this press release, please click here.

This press release provides information of a general nature regarding legal developments. None of the information contained herein is intended as legal advice or opinions relative to specific matters, facts, situations or issues. Additional facts, information or future developments may affect the subjects addressed in this document. You should consult with an attorney about your particular circumstances before acting on any of this information because it may not be applicable to your situation. We would be pleased to provide such legal assistance as you require on these subjects if you contact the firm.

This press release is deemed to contain advertising material or constitute advertising.