Sep 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC successfully enforced its intellectual property and trademark rights in a recently settled infringement lawsuit against Midwest Truck & Auto Parts and its heavy-duty distribution division, World American Parts.

While specific terms of the settlement are not disclosed, Midwest will cease selling copies of Bendix-patented products and will make changes to product catalogs, literature and packaging to correct misuse of Bendix trademarks such as the AD-9 air dryer and the MV-3 dash valve.

Bendix claimed in the lawsuit that Midwest sold heavy-duty commercial vehicle air brake components in the United States that infringed on a number of Bendix patents and that Midwest improperly used Bendix trademarks. The suit further alleged that Midwest's improper use of Bendix trademarks in its literature and product catalogs was likely to cause confusion among purchasers.