3D printer maker names Afinia as defendant in patent infringement lawsuit
MINNEAPOLIS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — November 25, 2013 — Stratasys Inc., the North American-based subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS) announced today that it has brought suit for patent infringement against Afinia, a division of Microboards Technology LLC, in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Stratasys is seeking injunctive relief and damages for infringement of four of its 3D printing patents.
The complaint alleges that Afinia’s sale, promotion and use of its Series H printer infringes patents directed to part porosity, liquefier structure, temperature control, and tool paths for constructing part perimeters. The most recent Stratasys patent that Afinia is alleged to infringe was issued in January 2013.
“IP infringement discourages companies from investing in innovation,” said David Reis, Stratasys Ltd. CEO. “Stratasys pioneered 3D printing, and invests millions of dollars each year to develop our technologies. In 2012 alone, Stratasys Ltd invested $33.3 million or 9.3 percent of its revenues in R&D. We intend to protect that investment.”
Stratasys Inc.’s co-founder, chairman and chief innovation officer, Scott Crump, invented Fused Deposition Modeling, a technology that prints three dimensional objects from computer models by building them up in layers. This is the first time that Stratasys has commenced an action for infringement of its patents.
Stratasys, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stratasys Inc. manufactures several lines of 3D printing systems using its proprietary FDM® technology. The company also manufacturers thermoplastic FDM® print materials.
Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. and Rehovot, Israel, manufactures 3D printers and materials for prototyping and production. The company’s patented FDM® and PolyJet® technologies produce prototypes and manufactured goods directly from 3D CAD files or other 3D content. Systems include 3D printers for idea development, prototyping and direct digital manufacturing. Stratasys subsidiaries include MakerBot and Solidscape, and the company operates the RedEye digital-manufacturing service. Stratasys has more than 1600 employees, holds over 500 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents globally, and has received more than 20 awards for its technology and leadership. Online at: www.stratasys.com or http://blog.stratasys.com
Stratasys, FDM, PolyJet, Solidscape, and RedEye are trademarks or registered trademarks of Stratasys Ltd. and/or its affiliates.
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