W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Amerigon

Monday, February 08, 2010

W.E.T. Also Files Response to Recent Lawsuit Filed by Amerigon

Odelzhausen, Germany -- W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG (Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange), a global leader in thermal comfort for the automotive industry, today announced that its subsidiary Windsor, Ontario, Canada-based W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd. has filed a lawsuit against United States-based Amerigon Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARGN) for infringement of eight patents held by W.E.T. Automotive Systems, ranging a spectrum of seating and blower technologies for providing passenger thermal comfort. The lawsuit, which seeks monetary damages, was filed in the United States District Court for the State of Michigan, Eastern District.

The W.E.T. patent portfolio in question includes patent numbers 6,786,541; 6,857,697; 7,131,689; 7,201,441; 7,425,034; 7,506,938; 6,509,704 and 6,841,957. A number of products, which Amerigon sells to various original equipment manufacturers, are the subject of the dispute.

W.E.T. is also filing a response today to Amerigon’s patent infringement lawsuit filed against W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd. on November 17, 2009 in the California court.

"For two years, there have been on-going discussions between our two companies involving Amerigon’s patent infringement violations of W.E.T.’s legal rights. We are disappointed that Amerigon did not take us up on our recent offer to resolve this dispute in mediation, and responded with litigation," said Caspar Baumhauer, CEO of W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG. "W.E.T. will continue to meet the needs of the supply chain and our customers, with quality products and the highest standard in service and delivery."

Since the 1990s, W.E.T. has been a supplier of seat climatization solutions. W.E.T. currently owns more than 300 patents and patent applications worldwide and has more than 150 inventions protected.

About W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG

W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG is a global industry leader which designs, manufacturers and supplies innovative products and technologies for the automotive industry. W.E.T. is a recognized technology innovator and market leader in thermal comfort, continually developing new technologies for car seat heating, cooling and ventilated systems. Established in 1968 and headquartered in Odelzhausen, near Munich, Germany, the company operates facilities in Europe, North America, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.wet-group.com.

Windsor, Ontario, Canada W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd. is a subsidiary of W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG.

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