Overview
(February 2, 2024) – Steptoe secured a major trial victory for American Axle and Manufacturing against Neapco after a years-long multi-patent infringement battle among the two Tier 1 automotive suppliers. A Delaware jury rendered a verdict that Neapco infringed upon American Axle’s patented propshaft noise and vibration technology, awarded American Axle $4 million in damages, and rejected Neapco’s arguments that the patent was invalid.
American Axle’s win is the culmination of a 9-year battle between the two competitors. In July 2020, Steptoe convinced the Federal Circuit to partially vacate the district court's judgment of invalidity under Section 101 for lack of patent-eligible subject matter. Then, on remand, the district court agreed with American Axle that the remaining claims are not invalid under Section 101. The case then proceeded to trial, something American Axle had long-awaited, and the jury found in favor of American Axle on all issues.
The Steptoe team representing American Axle on remand is led by Jay Nuttall and includes partners John Abramic and Katherine Tellez, and associate Robert Kappers.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
