On August 3, 2012, Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd of Tokyo, Japan (“Hitachi”) filed a complaint in the Northern District of Georgia against Rexon Industrial Corporation, Ltd. of Taiwan (“Rexon”) and Power Tool Specialists, Inc. of Rock Hill, South Carolina (“PTS”) alleging infringement of three patents directed to power saws with laser generators.  The complaint requests that the Court find infringement of the asserted patents, award damages to Hitachi, find the case exceptional under 35 U.S.C. § 285 and award attorneys’ fees to Hitachi, and enter a permanent injunction under 35 U.S.C. § 283 prohibiting Rexon and PTS from selling the accused products.

Hitachi is a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of power tools and other power equipment.  Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd. (“Hitachi USA”), based in Norcross, Georgia, is Hitachi’s wholly owned subsidiary responsible for distribution and service of products within the United States.  According to the complaint, Rexon, along with its subsidiary PTS, sells power tools under various brand names including “Craftsman,” “Kobalt,” “Task Force,” and “Master Force.”

Hitachi alleges that Rexon and PTS infringe US Patent Nos. 7,207,251, 7,886,644, and 7,930,962, all entitled “Cutter With Laser Generator That Irradiates Cutting Position On Workpiece To Facilitate Alignment Of Blade With Cutting Position,” through the sale of certain miter saws.  The patents generally relate to laser generators mounted on the holder or cutter blade portion of a miter saw which enable a user to cut an object along a desired path.

The case, action number 1:12-cv-2681, has been assigned to Judge William Duffey, Jr.