Caterpillar Hit With Trade Probe After Bobcat Patent Complaint

The US International Trade Commission launched an investigation into whether Caterpillar Inc.‘s imports of earth moving equipment infringe patents owned by Doosan Bobcat North America Inc.

Bobcat is seeking an import ban on Caterpillar’s skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, and dozers products. The ITC announced the investigation in a Jan. 2 notice.

Korean-owned Bobcat filed allegations against Caterpillar in the ITC and Texas federal court in December, alleging its equipment infringed patents covering tracked-vehicle systems, lift-arm safety zones, hydraulic shifting, and engine speed control.

Caterpillar told the ITC in a December public-interest statement that Bobcat’s ...