Tucson, Arizona, June 14, 2018 – Walbro LLC today announced that it filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) for unfair practices in import trade to initiate an investigation of thirty-five companies involved in manufacturing, importing or selling products that use carburetors from seven different carburetor manufacturers. The complaint alleges infringement of patented Walbro carburetor technology and includes 87 different examples of infringement in a diverse range of products including chainsaws, hedge trimmers, cultivators, string trimmers, brush cutters, pole saws, hammer drills, water pumps, leaf blowers, sprayers, generators, post drivers, earth augers, ice augers, mini-bikes and aftermarket replacement carburetors. The company is seeking a General Exclusion Order prohibiting importation of infringing products, and a Cease and Desist Order barring further sales of products that contain infringing carburetors.
“Walbro’s carburetor technology enables the performance of outdoor power equipment around the world,” said Matthew Riddle, Chief Executive Officer of Walbro. “The five patents we are asserting represent important technologies that allow these machines to meet consumer performance expectations while also meeting US regulatory emission requirements. The thirty-five named companies are using Walbro technology without paying for it.”
About Walbro
Walbro is a global market leader in supplying engine management systems for the lawn and garden, recreational and marine, outdoor power equipment, and two-wheel small engine markets. Walbro manufactures carburetors, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, pumps, valves and fuel storage and distribution systems. Walbro is a global organization with manufacturing and engineering facilities in China, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and the United States, and corporate headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Additional information regarding Walbro is available at www.walbro.com.
For more information, please contact:
Jeff Sensmeier
Vice President, Marketing
Walbro, LLC.
(520) 229-5657
jsensmeier@walbro.com
