Robertson Worldwide Adds Foreign Lighting Manufacturer As Defendant In Patent Infringement Lawsuit

BLUE ISLAND, Ill., Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois-based lighting ballast manufacturer Robertson Worldwide has filed patent infringement claims against a Hong Kong-based company as part of an ongoing lawsuit over electronic ballast technology used to operate fluorescent lighting.

Robertson originally filed suit on Oct. 9, 2012, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging patent infringement by competitors General Electric, Etlin-Daniels, Halco Lighting Technologies, Hatch Transformers, Howard Industries and Keystone Technologies. Now, Super X Manufacturing a/k/a Lighting Products Limited has been added as a defendant to the lawsuit. Super X manufactures ballasts in China and supplies electronic ballasts to the other defendants.

The lawsuit includes claims that the electronic ballasts manufactured and used by the defendants in a wide range of fluorescent lighting infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 6,366,032 and 6,420,838, which were issued to Robertson inventors and are owned by Robertson.

The two patents relate to the functionality of various protective circuits that provide essential features for the safe operation of fluorescent lamps, including when such lights approach their end-of-life phase. Robertson is requesting monetary damages, as well as an order permanently enjoining the defendants from continuing the alleged infringement.

"We have a responsibility to our partners, customers, and stakeholders to safeguard the investment Robertson makes each year in the U.S. by developing significant technology for energy efficient and safe lighting," says Sandy Bryant, President of Robertson Worldwide. "Without the legal protection of the patent laws, Robertson and other companies have little incentive to invest in new technologies that will create good-paying jobs in the U.S."

Robertson is represented by the Dallas-based law firm Skiermont Puckett LLP. The lawsuit is Robertson Transformer Co. d/b/a Robertson Worldwide v. GE Lighting, LLC et al., No. 1:12-cv-08094 ( N.D. Ill.).

About Robertson WorldwideRobertson Worldwide designs and manufactures the highest quality LED drivers and ballasts for fluorescent, ultraviolet and HID energy efficient lighting. Robertson's patented products provide the most comprehensive set of safety features available and Robertson continues to deliver the broadest line of ballasts in the industry. Robertson has numerous successful patent applications related to LED drivers that yield innovations in efficiency, size and reliability. Robertson's microprocessor designs incorporate wireless control, dimming interfaces, line fault detection and performance monitoring, in addition to programmable drive voltages and currents. Robertson is based in Blue Island, Illinois.

For information: Paul J. Skiermont, 214-978-6600, www.skiermontpuckett.com .

SOURCE Skiermont Puckett LLP

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