Press Release: Düsseldorf Regional Court dismisses action brought by Wobben Properties against Light:Guard

In the patent matter between Wobben Properties GmbH and Light:Guard GmbH, a patent lawsuit has now been filed by Wobben Properties, as no out-of-court settlement has yet been reached. Wobben Properties exploits patents and trademark rights for the wind turbine manufacturer Enercon. The content of the dispute is the European patent EP 1 984 622 B1, which concerns transponder-based Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) on wind turbines.

The development of the transponder-based light:guard system was carried out in close consultation with various patent attorneys, including a specialist from a wind turbine manufacturer. Light:Guard is convinced that it has developed a system without infringing on the claims mentioned in the patent. For this reason, an offer to accept a license that Wobben Properties sent to Light:Guard last November was rejected. The following exchange of arguments was unsuccessful because both sides continue to be convinced of their positions.

The aim of the legal proceedings that are now to follow is to clarify whether the light:guard system uses a technology that is covered by Wobben Properties’ patent claim. A possible license-free implementation of the on-demand Aircraft Detection Lighting System could also mean financial relief for the entire industry. It is therefore worthwhile in this case to take legal action:

“Taking patent disputes to court is a common procedure in industry. In the automotive, medical technology and pharmaceutical industries, such proceedings are routine. In the present case, we believe we are well positioned because, in our opinion, the light:guard system does not infringe the scope of protection of claim 1 of EP 1 984 622 B1,” explains patent attorney Dr. Jan-David Hecht, who will be representing Light:Guard in the proceedings.

Alexander Gerdes, CEO of Light:Guard, adds: “We remain open to an out-of-court settlement and have, of course, made appropriate provisions in the event of an unfavorable outcome for us.”

Interested parties and customers are welcome to contact the Light:Guard sales team if they have any questions.