F L A S H: Cognex Pre-positioning S.J. Motion DENIED in Reno - July 16, 2001
Lawyers representing the Lemelson Foundation indicated today that Judge Pro has denied the motion for summary judgement filed by Cognex regarding "pre-positioning." We'll post a copy of the order as soon as we obtain one. Separately, the Foundation indicates that it is moving for a trial in mid-2002 while Cognex/Symbol may seek a trial in late 2003. Again, a separate story will be posted as soon as we receive confirmation of a trial date.

Cognex Issues Update on Reno Litigation - May 24, 2001
Cognex Corporation issued an update today on the status of litigaiton in Reno. Click here to download a copy.

NCR Wins Summary Judgement that License Benefits Customers - May 15, 2001
On May 10, 2001, Judge Sidney H. Stein of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted summary judgment for NCR in the NCR v. Lemelson Foundation case. NCR argued that its license granted its customers the right to use NCR bar-coding equipment. The Foundation argued that NCR was wrong and sought recission of the license. The District Court referred the matter to Magistrate Kevin N. Fox, who issued a Report and Recommendation in favor of NCR on April 2, 2001. We understand that Magistrate Fox's opinion is under seal and cannot be posted. Judge Stein adopted the R&R in his two page opinion. Click Order to download a copy of Judge Stein's order.

F L A S H: Butler Case Stayed - January 11, 2001
Similar to the Alcon case, Chief Judge McNamee issued an order staying the Butler case in favor of the Symbol/Cognex litigation pending in Reno. Click Order to download a copy.

F L A S H Alcon Case Stayed - January 08, 2001
On January 2, 2001, Chief Judge McNamee issued an order staying the Alcon case in favor of the Symbol/Cognex litigation pending in Reno. Click Order to download a copy.

F L A S H: Federal Circuit Agrees to Hear Prosecution Laches - September 06, 2000
It has been reported to us that on September 1, 2000, the Federal Circuit agreed to decide the issue of whether the Lemelson patents are invalid due to "prosecution history laches." This development could call the continued validity of the Lemelson patents into question. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is received.

600th Licensee - July 10, 2000
According to an attorney representing the Lemelson Foundation, the Foundation recently signed its 600th licensee.

Reno Judge Dismisses US Metals Complaint - July 07, 2000
On July 5, 2000, Nevada state court Judge Janet Berry dismissed the complaint filed by U.S. Metal Refining Co. against the Lemelson Foundation. U.S. Metals had sought to recover damages from the Foundation on the theory that Jerome Lemelson had assigned patent rights to his employer in the 1950s, a predecessor in interest to U.S. Metals. In dismissing the case, Judge Berry determined that U.S. Metals had waited too long to assert any rights it may have had and suggested that the alleged assignment may have been too broad in any event.
Go to dismissal report to download the order.

Foundation Adds More Defendants to "ABC" Cases - July 06, 2000
On June 30, the Foundation added new defendants to the "B" case (Butler Manufacturing) pending in Phoenix. Click "read full story" to see the list.
Read the full story.

F L A S H: US Metals Complaint dismissed? - July 06, 2000
Please note: the following information has NOT been verified. A separate e-mail verifying the information will be sent as soon as the verification is received.

A lawyer working with the Lemelson Foundation reports that the US Metals complaint has been dismissed. If confirmed, a copy of the order dismissing the case will be posted as soon as it is received.