03-03-2008
Anchor Wall Systems Awarded Patent Infringement Damages
Minneapolis, MN – March 3, 2008 - Today a jury returned a verdict of $24.2 million in damages in a patent infringement suit brought by Minneapolis-based Anchor Wall Systems, Inc. against Rochester-based Rockwood Retaining Wall Systems Inc and owners, Raymond R. and Gerry P. Price, along with their affiliated companies GLS Industries, Inc. and Equipment, Inc. The presiding judge was Judge John Tunheim of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Rockwood manufactured blocks similar in shape to Anchor’s patented blocks but refused to pay Anchor a licensing fee to operate under Anchor’s patents. The litigation followed. The jury found that Rockwood’s manufacturing arm, known as GLS, infringed four different Anchor patents covering Anchor’s popular Windsor Stone® brand of retaining wall blocks used by homeowners to make small retaining walls as well as its Diamond® and Vertica® brands used for larger commercial projects. It also found that Rockwood and the Price brothers induced other manufacturers to infringe the Anchor patents.
Anchor had been in the block business for many years when, in the late 1980s, it invented a pinless, mortarless retaining wall system. This sought-after design made Anchor a pioneer in the retaining wall industry, and the company soon expanded beyond its Minneapolis base. Anchor Wall Systems is now one of the leading developers and licensors of concrete wall systems. Anchor Wall Systems works with more than 50 manufacturer licensees in 21 countries to create retaining and freestanding wall systems made with natural materials. Anchor holds 72 U.S. patents and others pending, along with numerous international patents. The company licenses its patented designs, which are backed by extensive research, testing, and marketing support, to manufacturers who then market to contractors and homeowners through local landscaping supply dealers and big box retailers.
Anchor was represented by Alan G. Carlson, Dennis C. Bremer, and Joe W. Winkels of Carlson, Caspers, Vandenburgh and Lindquist, P.A. a Twin Cities Intellectual Property firm specializing in patent litigation.
The "A" logo, "Anchor," Build Something Beautiful, Diamond, Vertica and Windsor Stone are trademarks of Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
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