DES MOINES, Iowa Maytag Corporation has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against competitor Electrolux Home Products over the design of plastic washing machine baskets.
The two-count civil lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City, alleges that the Frigidaire division of Electrolux is manufacturing, using and selling products which infringe on two patents assigned to Maytag in 1999.
A patent issued in March 1999 details the design of the basket and one issued in November 1999 explains a one-step cost-effective method for molding the basket.
Patent documents indicate the plastic basket was designed to replace traditional metal baskets which cost more to manufacture.
Maytag seeks a permanent injunction to prevent Electrolux from using the designs and monetary damages with interest.
From Eyewitness News