New Trial Bid Denied After $57M Coal Emissions IP Verdict

By Editorial Team

A Delaware federal magistrate judge has declined to order a new trial following a 2024 jury verdict that found companies associated with CERT Operations liable for over $57 million in damages to Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. for infringing on patents related to technology for refining coal to reduce mercury in emissions from power plants.

The decision was made by the magistrate judge after a thorough review of the case and the arguments presented by both parties involved. The original verdict, which awarded significant damages to Midwest Energy Emissions Corp., has now been upheld, solidifying the company's legal victory in the intellectual property dispute.

The case involved patents 10,343,114 and 10,596,517, which are related to sorbents used for the oxidation and removal of mercury in coal emissions. The jury's decision to hold the companies affiliated with CERT Operations accountable for patent infringement underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the energy and environmental sectors.

Legal representatives from law firms such as Bradley Arant, Caldwell Cassady, Devlin Law Firm PC, and Morris James were involved in presenting arguments and advocating for their respective clients throughout the legal proceedings. Companies like Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were also part of the case, highlighting the complex nature of disputes involving intellectual property and technology in the energy industry.

The ruling by the Delaware federal magistrate judge marks a significant milestone in this legal battle over coal emissions IP rights. The decision not to grant a new trial reaffirms the jury's original findings and underscores the importance of upholding intellectual property protections in the face of infringement.