Utility Litigation Monthly Watchdog Report

Stay Informed and Alert!

eComp Consultants initiates the distribution of a monthly litigation alert bulletin to utility company executives and legal counsel within the energy sector of the utility industry. The bulletin, entitled Utility Litigation Alert, provides timely information on litigation activity occurring throughout the industry involving intellectual property associated with technology relating to smart grid initiatives and web-based customer interactions. It also serves as early warning as to potential risks of such litigation causing negative impacts to project initiatives.

See our Consulting Service page to learn about eComp’s Risk Assessment service which describes proactive ways to make sure your company is not infringing others’ IP rights, and to potentially avoid a lawsuit.

utility litigation alerts

Smart Grid Technology – February 2012

eComp Consultants provides this Utility Litigation Alert for the purpose of keeping utility companies informed of the growing amount of litigation activity that has been emerging pursuant to the evolution and steady increase of smart grid/smart technology initiatives being undertaken within the Utility Industry. Much of this increased smart grid project activity was prompted by the distribution of stimulus funding to utility companies through the Federal Government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The accused products and solutions have targeted major application areas that support utility operations, such as:

Wireless communication networks for providing remote monitoring of devices

Systems & methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices

Wireless communication enabled meters & networks

Computer-assisted energy management sales systems for utilities Read the rest of this entry »

Web Based Customer Interaction Systems – February 2012

For more than two years now, patent infringement lawsuits have been filed against utility companies, product vendors and service providers who are involved with smart grid project initiatives. More recently, a new area of concern over potential litigation risk has emerged regarding Web Based Customer Interaction Systems and processes involving the delivery and management of online messages, and that extend beyond routine call tracking activities associated with customer relationship management.

One such case is highlighted below and exemplifies the expanding realm of patent litigation activity that may impact your company’s operations. Read the rest of this entry »