Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney have settled their patent dispute over engine technology, and agreed to drop all legal measures involved, lifting a potential threat to Boeing 787 production.
The two sides - partners in the International Aero Engines venture - had clashed over the design of fan blades in several powerplants manufactured by both companies, notably regarding the sweep that helps to cut the inefficiency caused by supersonic air flow over the blades.
But Rolls-Royce says it has "reached an amicable, confidential settlement", which has led to the "dismissal of all patent litigation" between the aero engine specialists.
A year ago, Rolls-Royce accused its US rival of infringing patents through the swept blade design of the PW1000G geared turbofan - intended for the Bombardier CSeries and other types - as well as the Engine Alliance GP7200 for the Airbus A380.
The dispute, Rolls-Royce said, had simmered for some considerable time, but P&W retorted that the case had no grounds.
Shortly afterwards, P&W countered by filing a complaint alleging unfair and misleading behaviour by the UK firm. Tensions between the manufacturers erupted further towards the end of 2010 when, in a twist, P&W accused Rolls-Royce of copying its swept blades on the A380's Trent 900 and on the Boeing 787's Trent 1000.
It also threatened 787 manufacture after seeking a ban on Trent 1000 imports through the US International Trade Commission. Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines are assigned to 217 of the 827 787s listed as being on order.
While Rolls-Royce had initiated the patent filing, P&W drew first blood when a court rejected the infringement case on the GP7200 earlier this year. The case had centred on whether the engine had three or four swept regions, as well as the type and nature of those regions.
Source: Flight International
