Markforged files legal complaint against Desktop Metal
August 6, 2019
Markforged, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts, USA, has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against Desktop Metal, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA, reports Boston Business Journal. The company is reported to have requested a trial by jury to address its claims that Desktop Metal has spread “falsehoods” about Markforged’s products.
This latest legal complaint follows an earlier patent infringement lawsuit filed by Desktop Metal in March 2018, in which the company alleged that Markforged’s Metal X Additive Manufacturing system violated two of its patents. In this lawsuit, the jury found in favour of Markforged, and the companies were reported to have reached an amicable resolution in October 2018.
At the time of the agreement, a mutual non-disparagement clause was agreed, prohibiting Desktop Metal from “misrepresenting the functionality of Markforged’s products.” The companies were in October reported to have agreed that $100,000 in liquidated damages would be paid for each violation of these terms.
When contacted for comment, Markforged stated, “Metal 3D printing is on pace to change manufacturing as we know it, and Markforged is leading the charge. We believe healthy competition is good for the industry, innovation, and – most importantly – customers. Unfortunately, as alleged in our complaint, Desktop Metal has chosen to compete by spreading false information. Markforged is taking this necessary step to ensure customers are making their buying decisions on facts, not lies.”
A spokesman for Desktop Metal commented, “We are aware of the filing by Markforged and believe the claims are without merit. We will be addressing the allegations in the appropriate forum.”
