PCT International, Inc. Obtains Permanent Injunction Against Amphenol Subsidiary Holland Electronics

MINNEAPOLIS, September 16, 2015—After a federal jury ruled last May in favor of PCT International, Inc. on the company’s claims that Holland Electronics, LLC infringed its patent covering coaxial cable connectors, Judge James A. Teilborg upheld the jury’s verdict on post-trial motions and granted a rare permanent injunction last week. As a result, defendant Holland Electronics, a subsidiary of Amphenol Corporation, is prohibited from further infringement for the life of the asserted patent, and must immediately cease all sales of each of the 60 separate products found to infringe PCT’s patent rights. The infringing products include Holland’s SLCU 6 series coaxial cable connector and numerous connectors sold by Holland under the trade name Superlok.

“We are tremendously pleased with Judge Teilborg’s order, which validates our right to protect the unique intellectual property we’ve worked so hard to develop,” said Steve Youtsey, CEO of PCT, the Arizona-based manufacturer of products for broadband communication networks. “The permanent injunction will allow us to further our dedication to product quality, and focus our efforts on additional innovations.”

Judge Teilborg’s order stems from nearly three years of litigation led by Robins Kaplan LLP in which PCT asserted that Holland Electronics had infringed its unique, patented design for coaxial cable connectors. The order ensures that PCT is the only company selling coaxial cable connectors utilizing the patented technology. The order also denied in its entirety Holland’s motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law, which sought to overturn the jury’s verdict on validity, including anticipation, obviousness, indefiniteness, infringement, and damages, and rejected Holland’s defenses of laches and estoppel.

Robins Kaplan partner Christopher Larus led the team representing PCT in the four-week trial and during post-trial briefing. “This order emphasizes our strong commitment to safeguarding PCT’s valuable intellectual property,” noted Larus, who chairs the Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation Group in Robins Kaplan’s Minneapolis office. “We are grateful for the opportunity to represent such an inventive and emerging company.”

Robins Kaplan attorneys John Harting, Jamie Kurtz, Bryan Mechell, Ryan Dornberger, and Mathew Yang also represented PCT at trial and/or during post-trial briefing.

The case, titled PCT International Incorporated v. Holland Electronics LLC, was heard by Judge James Teilborg in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The patent in dispute is United States Patent No. 6,042,422, titled “coaxial cable end connector crimped by axial compression.” Keith Beauchamp of Coppersmith Brockelman PLC served as co-counsel to PCT in the litigation.

About PCT International, Inc.

Founded in 1997 by Steve Youtsey, PCT International, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of last mile and access network solutions for broadband communication networks. PCT focuses on innovative and cost-effective solutions that allow service providers to improve system integrity and expand service offerings. PCT’s portfolio includes transmission, connectivity, metro Ethernet and Fiber to the Home products for cable, telco and satellite service providers. PCT’s collaborative approach to product development results in advances that simplify installation and maintenance; improve the integrity of HFC and fiber infrastructures; reduce truck rolls and other associated costs; and most importantly increase customer satisfaction and reduce churn. By working closely with customers’ field engineering personnel, we produce equipment and components that straightforwardly address real needs and enable operators to “Harden the Drop.” To learn more visit, pctcorporate.com.