Evertz Sues Lawo for Patent Infringement; Lawo States Legal Claims Are Unfounded

Evertz Microsystems has filed a lawsuit for patent infringement against Lawo AG (a German entity), Lawo Inc. (a US entity), and Lawo North America Corp. (a Canadian entity)  in the United States Federal District Court for the District of Delaware. In response, Lawo has strongly denied any infringement of patents as alleged by Evertz and believes that the allegedly infringed patents are invalid, according to an announcement.

Evertz Sues Lawo for Patent Infringement
The lawsuit asserts that Lawo infringes seven patents relating to Evertz’ IP-based video routing and switching technology and multi-image multi-display video processing technology.

“Evertz prides itself on leading the industry with cutting edge products. We spent many years and tens of millions to develop our industry leading IP based broadcast solutions.” stated CEO Romolo Magarelli, “We are taking this legal action to protect our investment and our intellectual property.”

The Delaware lawsuit will proceed in parallel with a prior litigation filed by Evertz in the Superior Court of Ontario against Lawo and several former Evertz employees for breach of contract, breach of confidence and other torts.

A copy of the US District Court claim can be downloaded here.

Lawo States That Evertz Legal Claims Are Unfounded
In response to Evertz’s press release, Lawo strongly denied any infringement of patents as alleged by Evertz and believes that the allegedly infringed patents are invalid. The company’s statement went on to say:

Lawo will vigorously defend itself against the unfounded claims that Evertz alleges and it strongly asserts that it has committed no wrongdoing…Their press release is part of a global public relations campaign which obviously goes beyond the mere protection of Evertz’s alleged rights in court. The press release fails to state that the Canadian action was struck by the court on February 28, 2019 because Evertz failed to articulate a material basis for its claim.  In addition, Evertz failed to state in the amended complaint it filed in the United States that its Canadian action was stricken.

Lawo CFO Claudia Nowak added: “As we approach our 50th year of business, our customers understand that honesty and integrity have formed the pillar of our success over these years. We believe our success has made us the target of Evertz. We will vigorously defend the lawsuits and will pursue all appropriate legal actions against Evertz.  Business will continue as usual and there should not be any impact on our customers while these matters are pending.”

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