EcoServices, LLC Wins Patent Infringement Case over EcoPower® Engine Wash System

Wethersfield, Connecticut USA, July 25, 2018 – EcoServices, LLC (EcoServices), a joint venture between Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. and Pratt & Whitney Line Maintenance Services, Inc., today announced that the United States District Court for the District of California (Los Angeles) had ruled in favor of EcoServices in a patent infringement lawsuit brought against Certified Aviation Services, LLC (CAS), a company belonging to Aero-Mark. EcoServices is a developer, manufacturer and service provider of the patented EcoPower® gas turbine engine wash system.

In the ruling, the jury had unanimously determined that CAS’ use of Lufthansa Technik AG’s Cyclean engine wash system infringed on two of EcoServices’ patents, US Patent No. 5,868,860 - Method of washing objects, such as turbine compressors (‘860), and US Patent No. 9,162,262 - Automated detection and control system and method for high-pressure water wash application and collection applied to aero compressor washing (‘262). The jury had further found CAS’ infringement on the ‘860 patent to be willful, denied CAS’ attempt to invalidate the ‘262 patent’s validity and awarded monetary damages to be paid by CAS in the amount of US$1,949,000 towards EcoServices. Pre- and post-trial interest and injunctive relief are pending.

EcoServices’ ‘860 patent documents a method of atomising water droplets to promote the most efficient cleaning of gas turbine engines, while the ‘262 patent protects an automatic detection and control system designed to facilitate safe and effective gas turbine aero engine washes.

William Welch, President of EcoServices, said, “We are pleased with the outcome of the trial. The verdict by the jury validates the originality and value of EcoServices’ EcoPower® technology, which we have spent much effort in developing to improve the way aircraft engines are washed. While we continue to protect our intellectual property vigorously, we welcome all forms of collaboration that respect intellectual property rights, and interested parties to discuss licensing opportunities with us over the use of our patents.”