Brooks Requests Ban on Utility Meter Sealing Ring Imports that Infringe its Patents

E.J Brooks Company is requesting the International Trade Commission bar imports of sealing rings for utility meters that it says infringe its patents. The Jan. 18 petition accused Mao Dah Enterprise of Taiwan of importing the infringing products, which are used to secure electric, gas and water utility meters and show evidence of tampering. According to Brooks, Mao Dah was originally contracted to manufacture utility meter parts, but was not authorized to make sealing rings. Mao Dah later obtained the design for the sealing rings, and began manufacturing the product and exporting it to the U.S. Brooks is requesting the ITC issue a general exclusion order on imported sealing rings, or a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order against Mao Dah if the ITC finds a general order to be too broad.