Alpha, Gumout Cleared of Infringement on Eve of Patent Trial

Alpha Consolidated Holdings Inc. and Gumout were cleared of infringing a patent for a fuel additive bottle, days before a trial was set to begin in Delaware federal court.

Judge Leonard Stark of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware found that, under his interpretation of a key term in William Baker’s patent, Alpha’s bottles don’t infringe. In a subsequent order, Stark canceled a jury trial scheduled to begin Sept. 27.

Baker said in a court filing he is considering an appeal.

A Georgia resident, Baker created Baker Supply LLC, which distributes capless fuel system additive bottles. ...