Bobcat sues Caterpillar for patent infringement

Compact equipment manufacturer Bobcat has sued Caterpillar, alleging infringement of patented machine technologies.  

The federal lawsuit, filed Dec. 2 in the Eastern District of Texas, claims that Caterpillar has wrongfully taken the innovations of Bobcat to “unfairly compete in the skid-steer and broader compact equipment market” rather than innovate.  

Caterpillar dealer Holt Group is listed as a defendant as well. Bobcat is accusing San Antonio, Texas-based Holt Group of actively aiding the sales and use of infringed products as the “nation’s largest Caterpillar dealership.” 

Bobcat, a subsidiary of South Korean holding company Doosan Group, also issued a complaint to the International Trade Commission to stop imports of certain skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers and components that allegedly infringe at least one of Bobcat’s patents. The company filed similar complaints in a German district court and the European Union’s patent court.  

The West Fargo, N.D.-based OEM is taking these legal actions to “protect our patented technologies, defend fair competition and safeguard the innovation and craftsmanship that have defined our company for more than 65 years,” a Bobcat spokesperson told Equipment Finance News in a written statement.  

“The 14 Bobcat patents at issue enable functions like maneuverability, power, performance and efficiency,” the spokesperson said. “They’re foundational to our machines’ strength, versatility and precision, as well as the future of Bobcat innovation, driving advancement across our product lineup and making each machine worthy of carrying the Bobcat brand.” 

Caterpillar did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.  

Bobcat alleges Caterpillar’s use of Bobcat technologies is consistent with its pattern of “identifying and emulating the key features in its competitors’ products,” according to the lawsuit.  

Bobcat claims Caterpillar has a track record of “tearing down” competitors’ machines as part of a process that is “not just looking to mimic the quality” or a “single bolt on the machine.” Rather, it is “looking at the whole system,” the lawsuit reads.  

Bobcat is seeking injunctive relief from the alleged infringements, unspecific monetary damages, ongoing royalty as necessary and a threefold increase in the damages award from the actual amount assessed. 

The lawsuit comes on the heels of a strong third-quarter performance for Caterpillar as it capitalized on the data center development boom while its financing arm reported a 7% year-over-year increase in originations. 

Meanwhile, Bobcat is facing increased competition as more OEMs introduce compact machines, including CNH Industrial, John Deere, JCB and Yanmar. Bobcat is offering 0% financing for up to 36 months for new compact excavators, mini track loaders and utility work machines, according to the company.  

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