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

Web Based Customer Interaction Systems – July 2012

Unified Messaging Solutions accuses Ameren Corporation of infringing patented systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing messages through operation of its “Billing & Payment History” feature accessible through its website, www.ameren.com. These charges were filed in March, 2012 and were dismissed, following three months of disclosures by both parties. There will be no further status reports on this case.

Infringement actions brought by Unified Messaging Solutions against 16 of the 28 defendants, including all 5 utility companies, as reported in our February 2012 bulletin, have been terminated. The 12 remaining defendants consist mainly of communications and social media companies who have been accused of infringing one or more claims of several patents involving web-based messaging, billing, and account servicing activity, as well as certain email features. We will continue to report status on this case in future bulletins, as appropriate.