Texas Court Dismisses Raytheon's Claims In Suit

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — FLIR Systems Inc., which makes infrared imaging cameras for commercial and military use, said Tuesday a federal court dismissed certain claims in a case brought by Raytheon Co.

Judge Richard Schell of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas dismissed Raytheon's claims against FLIR and its subsidiary, Indigo Systems Corp., of misappropriating trade secrets, unfair competition and fraudulent concealment.

According to FLIR, Raytheon's claims were based on allegations that Indigo hired former Raytheon employees in order to obtain knowledge of the defense contractor's trade secrets relating to infrared camera technology.

Still in dispute are claims made by Raytheon on breach of contract and patent infringement, as well as counterclaims by FLIR and Indigo that Raytheon's patents in suit are invalid.

In an e-mailed statement, Raytheon said, "This procedural ruling does not address the merits of the case. We will continue to actively pursue our claims against Indigo and FLIR in this litigation for their systematic misappropriation of trade secrets and patent infringement."

Shares of FLIR fell 44 cents to close at $22.58, while Raytheon stock declined 62 cents to $46.56.