Airbus sues Aviation Partners, challenges patent on wing-tip devices on Boeing airplanes

TOULOUSE, France, 14 Dec. 2011. Plane-maker Airbus is suing Aviation Partners Inc., challenging the company’s patent on a fuel-saving device used on Boeing airplanes. Airbus officials say Aviation Partners owners demand royalties on wing-tip devices similar to its blended winglets. Wing-tip devices called “sharklets” appear on the Airbus A320neo, an update of the company’s narrow-body aircraft.

Airbus asked the court to rule that its own wing-tip devices do not infringe on the blended winglets made by Aviation Partners.

"For decades, Airbus has been developing and marketing wing-tip devices that reduce drag and improve aircraft performance for various Airbus aircraft," according to the company in the lawsuit. "API's threats are a significant hindrance to Airbus and, without an early resolution place Airbus at a competitive disadvantage.”

The lawsuit is Airbus S.A.S. vs Aviation Partners, Inc.; No 1:11-cv-01030 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.