Plasma arc metal cutting leader Hypertherm (www.hypertherm.com) was awarded a favorable settlement in a patent infringement lawsuit against the American Torch Tip Corporation (www.americantorchtip.com).

Exact terms were not disclosed, however the settlement includes a cash payment from ATTC to Hypertherm, and an agreement ATTC will stop producing the parts at issue in the lawsuit. ATTC agreed to destroy key parts in its inventory for Hypertherm's HyPerformance HPR systems.

The lawsuit was filed in 2005 for infringing four patented technologies, covering Hypertherm's technology designed to deliver faster cut speeds, longer consumable life, improved cut quality, better torch cooling, and dross-free performance to customers using genuine Hypertherm consumables. The patents cover more than 30 consumable parts for approximately 20 Hypertherm systems. The terms prohibit ATTC from continuing to manufacture these parts.

“We believe that our innovations deliver unique advantages and superior productivity and profitability for Hypertherm's customers,” said Evan Smith, vice president/general manager. “As such, we are very protective of our inventions and will use whatever legal means necessary to ensure that our patents are not violated.”