Press Release: Light:Guard and Wobben Properties reach out-of-court settlement in patent dispute

An out-of-court settlement has been reached in patent proceedings between Wobben Properties GmbH and Light:Guard GmbH. Both parties have agreed on a solution, thereby settling the legal dispute.

The subject of the dispute was European patent EP 1 984 622, which deals with transponder-based Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) for wind turbines.

The ADL system helps to significantly reduce the night-time light marking of wind farms. It continuously monitors the airspace around the turbines and only activates the marking when an aircraft approaches. In this case, the lighting is switched on as usual to ensure air traffic safety.

Wobben Properties GmbH is ENERCON’s patent exploitation company and had taken legal action against Light:Guard GmbH, Quantec Sensors GmbH and Quantec Signals GmbH in the patent dispute. In addition to settling the dispute, the agreement also includes the mutual withdrawal of all pending lawsuits and counterclaims.

With the agreement, the ruling of the Düsseldorf Regional Court becomes final, possible restrictions on the patent are lifted, and the parties consider the matter closed.

The parties involved are relieved about the solution that has been reached. “Enercon and we see ourselves as pioneers in the field of demand-driven night marking and related development. This agreement now lays the foundation for further cooperation,” explains Willi Lehmann, Managing Director of Light:Guard GmbH.