Pro-Tech Sno Pusher Sues Avalanche

Pro-Tech, Rochester, N.Y., has filed an action in U.S. District Court that claims that Ledex Industries, West Oakville, Ontario, illegally copied the patented Pro-Tech Sno Pusher.

In its complaint, Pro-Tech alleged that in 1998, a Ledex employee and an associate visited the Rochester manufacturing facility for a tour, pretending to be prospective customers. While on the tour, the two men inquired about Pro-Tech’s manufacturing process and business practices. During the visit, the alleged Ledex representatives obtained a video and marketing materials, which according to Pro-Tech, Ledex used to manufacture the Avalanche - the unit that Pro-Tech said is a duplication of its Sno Pusher product.

The Sno Pusher comes in sizes ranging from 6 to 30 feet, and is typically used for removing snow from parking lots and runways. The plow is more efficient than conventional snowplows for large areas and its key features include a patented post receptacle coupler - which allows the Pushers to be attached to the bucket of any brand Skid Steer, backhoe or loader - and safety features such as an adjustable/reversible rubber cutting edge and bolt-on, angled wear shoes.

Pro-Tech is pursuing the lawsuit in an attempt to stop the sale of Avalanche products and to compel Ledex to forfeit and/or destroy the existing inventory of infringing blades. The company is also seeking treble damages and compensation in an amount equal to the profits Ledex made on sales of the Avalanche product. In addition to the Ledex case, Pro-Tech is currently evaluating its position on several other companies who appear to be infringing on Pro-Tech’s patent.

For more information about Pro-Tech visit the company’s web site at www.snopusher.com.