Powerscreen knew of patent infringement case

02 June 1998

Powerscreen ‘knew of patent infringement case’

POWERSCREEN International, the Northern Ireland engineering parent of tractor manufacturer Matbro, admitted yesterday it knew 18 months ago that it faced patent infringement litigation. This had failed to get a mention in its annual report.

The Financial Times says the revelation is likely to fuel speculation that further problems may surface at the company. But Powerscreen said patent lawyers had advised that no patent infringement had taken place.

The controversy focuses on complaints from a company now known as Nordberg-Read about Powerscreens alleged violation of Nordbergs screening equipment patents. It also claims Powerscreen infringed a patent on a moving shaker assembly.

• Financial Times 02/06/98 page 20