Intellectual Property Dispute between Smart Solar and Alpine Resolved
Smart Solar and Alpine announced today that they have amicably resolved their intellectual property dispute relating to solar-powered, two-tier bird baths. In November 2009, Smart Solar brought a lawsuit against Alpine in federal Court in Chicago, alledging infringement of Smart Solar's U.S. Patent No. 7, 484, 671, as well as Smart Solar's copyrights and trade dress rights, for its two-tier bird baths. Today, after nine months of litigation, U.S. District Court Judge John Darrah entered a final order. Under the Order, Alpine agreed that Smart Solar's patent, copyrights and trade dress were valid and enforceable and agree to pay an undisclosed sum to Smart Solar to settle the case.