Company Admits It Used Rockwell Software Without Permission

Avionics maunfacturer Rockwell Collins announced this week it reached a settlement in its lawsuit against Miami, FL-based Avcom Avionics & Instruments, over software copyright issues.

As part of that settlement, Avcom acknowledged it violated Rockwell Collins' copyrights and trademarks, and breeched license agreements with Rockwell Collins by having engaged in the unauthorized use of proprietary software used in upgrading Rockwell Collins Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) systems, and in operating Rockwell Collins test equipment.

Under terms of the deal, Avcom agreed to pay Rockwell Collins $3.4 million, and will refrain from infringing on Rockwell Collins intellectual property rights in the future.

"As demonstrated by this lawsuit, Rockwell Collins will take legal action to protect its software and other intellectual property from unauthorized use," said Rockwell Collins Senior Vice President and General Counsel Gary Chadick. "We are pleased that the parties were able to resolve this case under terms that we believe fairly compensate Rockwell Collins for use of its intellectual property."

Avcom President Rolando Suarez added, "We believe the settlement to be fair to both parties and are pleased we are putting our disputes behind us."

Rockwell Collins is based in Cedar Rapids, IA.

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com