GM Contract Claims Complicate Auto Tech Patent Suit, Magna Says

Magna Electronics Inc. urged a Texas federal judge to separate General Motors Co.'s supplier contract claims from Facet Technology Corp.’s patent dispute against the automaker, arguing it would simplify the case for jurors.

Magna suggested severing GM’s claims from the patent suit and staying their allegations pending the outcome of Facet’s lawsuit, according to a motion filed Wednesdayin the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Magna said if the dispute isn’t severed, a jury would be required to determine a series of infringement-related findings on top of contract-related issues.

“Given the complexities of patent law, there is ...