ITC Staff Approves Proposed Settlement Between Cognex & Multitest
The US ITC staff has endorsed a proposed settlement between Multitest Electronic Systems Inc. and Cognex Corp. in a patent infringement case over machine vision software. Multitest was the first the nearly 20 named respondents to reach a settlement with Cognex.
Interestingly, several of the other respondents, including MVTec and Delta Design Inc., filed confidential partial oppositions to the motion. Some possible reasons for opposition can include keeping as many respondents in the case as possible to dilute complainant's efforts moving forward, overbroad language in the proposed settlement, or other tactical and strategic considerations.
The complaint alleges that MVTec Software GmbH manufactures machine vision software that infringes Cognex patents. The software is then sold to third parties, including Multitest, who incorporate the software into their manufacturing equipment products. The case is In the matter of Certain Machine Vision Systems, Software and Products Containing Same, investigation number 337-TA-680, in the U.S. International Trade Commission.
