A lawsuit was filed in late 2006 in a federal district court in Dallas on behalf of the University of Texas and Canadian utility Hydro-Quebec. It names as defendants Black & Decker, A123 Systems and China BAK, alleging the three companies are infringing upon two U.S. patents—numbered 5,910,382 and 6,514,640 —both owned by the University.
The case is complicated, involving several companies spread throughout North America. It’s important to note, that in February the U.S. Patent Office countered A123′s challenge of one patent meaning that A123 is in clear violation. Recently DeWALT was ordered to stop selling the 36v line. However I bet there are a few Distributors out there that will still sell them to you (assuming they are in stock). If the patent office also upholds the other patent, then Black & Decker will have little legal ammunition left to fight with, and the case should be wrapping up by spring of next year. We will keep you updated.
