Washer patent lawsuits!

[urarachu]

Hello everyone! I was wondering if you experts could share some of your vast knowledge of the washer industry with me. I am currently working on a research paper about patent lawsuits in the appliance industry. I know some of the interesting stories in the vacuum cleaner field, but my washer, dryer, and dishwasher backstabbing history is very small. So does anyone here know of any patent related lawsuits that have ever happened. I bet there's loads of juicy stories. Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot!

Corey

Plus they're always so fun to talk about!

 

[toggleswitch]

Bumping it UP

Someone here, MUST know a thing or two..........

 

[golittlesport]

In the past few years LG and Whirlpool have been duking it out over patent infringement. I bet you could "google" some news articles.

 

[volvoguy87]

Combo unit suspension lawsuits?

If I recall correctly from some posts quite awhile ago, there was some legal fighting regarding combo units in the 50s and/or 60s. I think it had something to do with the design of the suspension, and the spin speeds that could be achieved. I think Hotpoint was involved, but I am not certain. I also recall there being a manufacturer who recalled and crushed nearly all of their machines with the suspension system in question rather than pay royalties to the company which held the patent. I think someone on this site ownes one of the few machines that escaped the recall & crushing.

Anyone remember this?
Dave

 

[jamiel]

I think Sears ended up with the patent for the Dual Action Agitator which they had exclusivity for for 15 years or so (1976--1991 or so).

 

[toggleswitch]

Sounds good to me.

Dojn't quote me, but I thougth patents were 17 years in duration, then migrated to 20.