North Carolina Jury Finds Dubose Strapping Inc. Liable for Willful Patent Infringement

Western Plastics sued Dubose Strapping for infringing a patent covering a material for wrapping rolls of metal coil.  Both parties compete in the metal industry and sell a similar wrap.  A North Carolina jury found Dubose willfully infringed Western Plastics’ patent and awarded more than six-hundred thousand dollars in lost profits damages.  Because the jury found the infringement willful, the Court now has discretion to increase the damages up to three times.  Motions are currently pending for increased damages, a permanent injunction, prejudgment interest, attorney fees and costs.

This case is Western Plastics, Inc. v. Dubose Strapping, Inc., Case No. 15-cv-594 (E.D.N.C.)

Editors: Brian Horne, Yanna S. Bouris & Paul Stewart

Written by: Mark Kachner