The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of cutting-edge aircraft engine technology — used in Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 airliners — following United Technologies Corp.'s (UTC) patent infringement claims against rival engine maker Rolls-Royce PLC. The commission said Wednesday that its probe was based on Connecticut-based UTC's November 5th complaint claiming that Rolls-Royce' Trent 900 and Trent 1000 engines infringe a reissue patent entitled "Swept turbomachinery blade,” which covers a novel design for turbine blades. A target date for the ITC's completion of the investigation will be set within 45 days, the commission said. UTC, which also sued Rolls Royce in Connecticut federal court on Nov. 5, hopes for an ITC order blocking the British company from importing its engines into the U.S. UTC is represented by Finnegan.
