ITC Asks for Comments on Crawler Cranes Patent Complaint

The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by June 26 on public interest factors arising from Manitowoc Cranes’ request for a Section 337 investigation on patent and trade secret infringement by Sany’s imports of crawler cranes. The “variable position counterweight” technology at issue allows the cranes to lift over 2,500 pounds, which lends them to applications like power plant construction where large loads need to be lifted, the complaint said (see 13061722). According to Manitowoc, Sany hired away one of its high-level engineers, who proceeded to share his knowledge with the Chinese company. Manitowoc is requesting the ITC issue limited exclusion and cease and desist orders against Sany’s import and sale of infringing crawler cranes.