A subsidiary of one of the world’s largest flooring makers has dismissed a patent lawsuit against a Chattanooga-based company, according to court records.
Shaw Integrated and Turf Solutions, part of carpet giant Shaw Industries, sued the machinery manufacturer Tuftco in December. The lawsuit alleged Tuftco’s ColorTurf machines infringed on two patents associated with Shaw’s Game On technology, which enables sports teams to more seamlessly install logos, numbers and designs into athletic fields.
On Thursday, Shaw submitted a stipulation dismissing the lawsuit without prejudice, meaning the company could still refile the complaint against Tuftco. An attorney for Tuftco, Gary Patrick, confirmed in a phone call that Shaw dropped the lawsuit, adding he does not expect the carpet company to revive the complaint.
In court documents filed in February, attorneys for Tuftco denied Shaw’s allegations and said the lawsuit would make it difficult — if not impossible — to promote and sell the ColorTurf machines, resulting in lost profits for the company.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga’s Tuftco re-calibrates to make safety screens to fight coronavirus)