MANITOU (EPA:MTU) - Manitou BF: Patent infringement litigation

Transparency directive : regulatory news

01/03/2021 08:00

Manitou BF: Patent infringement litigation

/Ancenis, March 1, 2021 -   Manitou BF informs that on February 26, 2021, the
Paris Court of Justice ("Tribunal Judiciaire") ruled in first instance on the
litigation for infringement of the French part of two European patents relating
to certain features concerning the control system of the overload cut-off of
certain telescopic forklift trucks, initiated in May 2017 by J.C. Bamford
Excavators Limited (JCB) against Manitou BF.

Under the terms of this decision, the Court has invalidated in its entirety the
French part of one of the two patents held by JCB.

The Tribunal has also invalidated most of the claims of the French part of the
second patent held by JCB.

The Court found that only two claims of the French part of the second patent
were infringed by three models of equipment from an old configuration which is
no longer marketed by Manitou BF since May 2017. Manitou challenges this
decision while noting that it has no impact on its business as this old
configuration is no longer marketed.

Given the very residual character of the infringement uphold, the Court ordered
Manitou BF to pay the plaintiff the total sum of 150,000 euros for the loss
suffered, rejecting the claim of JCB, which was claiming a loss of 190 million
euros.

The Court's decision reinforces the position of Manitou, which has always
contested the merits of the plaintiff's action and the disproportionate nature
of its claims. The group will continue to firmly defend itself against
infringement allegations of three patents claimed by JCB.

                         ISIN code: FR0000038606
  Indices: CAC ALL SHARES, CAC ALL-TRADABLE, CAC INDUSTRIALS, CAC MID & SMALL,
                     CAC SMALL, EN FAMILY BUSINESS

Manitou Group is a worldwide reference in the handling, access platforms, and
earthmoving. By improving workplace conditions, safety, and performance, our
environment remains renewable and sustainable for mankind.

Through its 3 iconic brands-Manitou, Gehl, and Mustang by Manitou-the group
develops, manufactures, and provides equipment and services for the
construction, agriculture, and industrial markets.

By constantly innovating its products & services, Manitou Group constantly adds
value to exceed its stakeholders' expectations.

Always attuned to its customers via its expert network of over 1,050 dealers,
the group continues to be true to its roots by keeping its headquarters in
France. That focus, which powered sales to EUR1.6 billion in 2020, informs its
talented worldwide team of 4,400 today whose passion ceaselessly motivates the
group.

          Company information is available at: www.manitou-group.com
     Shareholder information: communication.financiere@manitou-group.com

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MANITOU (EPA:MTU) - Manitou BF: Patent infringement litigation

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