Carrier and Goodman settle patent dispute

USA: Carrier and Goodman Manufacturing are reported to have settled a US patent infringement lawsuit involving Goodman’s ComfortNet products and Carrier’s Infinity technology.

The case, filed by Carrier in 2012, concerned alleged infringements by Goodman, the US Daikin subsidiary, of two controls and communication patents in Goodman’s ComfortNet range of products, including at least thermostats, air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and air handlers under the Goodman and/or Amana trade names.

Goodman counterclaimed citing misrepresentations and omissions in the prosecution of the two US patents concerned: 7,243,004 Self-Configuring Controls for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems and 7,775,452, entitled Serial Communicating HVAC System.

The agreement resolves litigation pending in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.