U.S. agency to investigate auto parts patent infringement cases

U.S. agency to investigate auto parts patent infringement cases    The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched two investigations related to automobile parts imports. In one case, the commission will follow up on a complaint filed by diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. against ArvinMeritor Inc. and two related companies, including German manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen AG, for infringing on truck transmission patents.
   Eaton has asked the International Trade Commission to prohibit Arvin subsidiary ZF Meritor LLC from importing the Freedom Line transmissions system and components, and halt sales of the products in the United States.
   The other case involves a complaint that Germany's Daimler-Chrysler AG and subsidiary Mercedes-Benz USA used tail light lens designs owned by Sorensen Research and Development Trust, San Diego, without permission.
   No timetable for a ruling in either case has been set.