Fastenal Vending Machines Infringe Zito Tech Patents, Suit Says

Patent owner Zito LLC hit Fastenal Co. with infringement allegations in Texas federal court over vending machine technology.

Fastenal’s industrial vending program practices methods for dispensing user-appropriate items infringing US Patent Nos. 10,867,461; 11,127,239 and 11,710,364, according to a complaint filed Sunday in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

• Fastenal’s FAST Solutions and Automated Supply Technology products include a device able to accept user-specific information, a storage device, dispensing device and processor similar to Zito’s patented technology, the company alleged.
• Fastenal directly infringed the patents and induced others’ infringement by selling the products to ...