Counselled Eurocopter in regards to Bell Textron

In a judgment rendered September 24, 2013, the Federal Court of Appeal of Canada upheld a previously-rendered decision finding that Bell Helicopter had intentionally infringed a patent held by Eurocopter and ordering Bell Helicopter to pay punitive damages. The trial judgment concluded that Bell Helicopter had infringed Eurocopter’s patent over its famed mustache landing gear used in the EC120 and EC130 helicopter models. The awarding of punitive damages makes this judgment of particular importance to our client. The appeal court confirmed that Bell Helicopter acted in bad faith and must therefore pay Eurocopter punitive damages. This is in addition to the $25 million in punitive damages being claimed by Eurocopter, although the court has yet determine that amount.