Eaton Files Complaint and Lawsuit Regarding Truck Transmission Patent Infringement

CLEVELAND--Dec. 2, 2003--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced it has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in Washington, D.C., requesting that the ITC initiate an investigation of ZF Meritor LLC, ArvinMeritor and ZF Friedrichshafen AG for violating the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing ZF Meritor's FreedomLine transmission system and components that infringe various Eaton patents.

Eaton has asked the ITC to issue an "Exclusion Order" prohibiting the importation into the United States of the FreedomLine transmission system and components, as well as a cease-and-desist order halting the sale in the United States of these infringing imported products.

Eaton also filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court in Detroit, Michigan based on infringement of Eaton patents. Eaton has asked the Federal District Court in Detroit to enter a permanent injunction prohibiting the sale of FreedomLine transmissions in the United States, whether or not imported, and also for an award of damages based on ZF Meritor's infringement of Eaton's patents.

Eaton said in its filings that it believes the FreedomLine transmission system infringes Eaton's patent rights and that it has filed these actions to protect Eaton's patented technology. Eaton said it has invested considerable time and money developing its technology and intends to defend these patents vigorously against infringement by others.

Eaton is a global diversified industrial manufacturer with 2002 sales of $7.2 billion that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent systems for fuel economy and safety in trucks. Eaton has 51,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.