Miller patent dispute resolved

ATTACHMENTS specialists Miller UK Ltd have reached an out-of-court settlement with Hill Engineering Ltd over a patent infringement relating to the Miller quick coupler.

Miller launched their pin pick-up quick coupler in 1989 in response to the need for a safer, more efficient way to change excavator buckets and attachments. The device’s success since then has spawned many similar products, including a version by Irish firm Hill Engineering.

During a recent court hearing relating to a patent infringement by Hill Engineering's Maglock automatic locking quick hitch, an out-of-court settlement was reached by the two companies, who then issued the following joint statement: ‘Hill have agreed to enter into a royalty-bearing licence relating to the patent (and other Miller rights covering related technology) and have withdrawn their allegation that the patent is invalid. Hill have also agreed to pay a substantial proportion of Miller's legal costs.’

Keith Miller, managing director of Miller UK Ltd, said that since the first quick coupler design was launched, the company had invested a great deal of time, energy and resources into continuous updates and improvements to the original product, and that Miller were extremely proud and protective of what they had achieved.

‘Although it's disappointing that legal action had to be taken, the fact we were able to settle out of court and avoid a full trial, simplifying the process for both ourselves and Hill Engineering, is very positive,’ he said.

‘However, we hope this sends a very clear message that we will do what is necessary to protect our products both now and in future.’