Midtronics Defends its Leadership Position in Battery Management, Files Patent Infringement Suit Against World Energy Labs

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.--July 31, 2006--In an effort to protect its intellectual property in the area of battery management technology, Midtronics, Inc. (Willowbrook, IL, USA) has announced that the company has filed suit against World Energy Labs (San Francisco, CA, USA). The suit claims that a World Energy Labs product violates a patent exclusively licensed by Midtronics. The suit was filed in US District Court in Chicago.

"We never like to take these drastic measures," said Steve McShane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midtronics. "However, as a company, we always vigorously protect the significant investment we have made in product technology." McShane continued, "Midtronics is a leading innovator in battery management with an extensive patent portfolio that has significantly contributed to our commercial success. We cannot allow others to take advantage of our efforts and investments for their own gain."

Midtronics holds a portfolio of more than 150 issued and pending patents in the United States and worldwide, relating to the areas of battery testing, charging and management. The company has a history of successful defense of its intellectual property and has retained the law firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen and Dixon LLP as its counsel in this matter.

Editor's Note:

Midtronics is focused on the development and marketing of innovative technologies for battery management. With a history of advanced battery-related research, Midtronics' patented technologies have been tailored for a variety of applications, including transportation (automotive, heavy-duty trucking, off-road), stationary and motive power, and military use. The development of progressive products has positioned the company as a leader in the industries it serves. Headquartered in Willowbrook, Illinois, USA, Midtronics has offices in IJsselstein, The Netherlands, and Shenzhen, China and a global network of distributors.

For more information, contact Todd Stukenberg, Midtronics, Inc., 7000 Monroe Street, Willowbrook, IL USA 60527. Telephone: (630) 323-2800. Fax: (630) 323-2844. E-mail: tstukenberg@midtronics.com or visit the company's website at www.midtronics.com.