Special Devices Files Suit Over Rival Firm’s Patent

Newhall-based Special Devices Inc., a unit of J.F. Lehman & Co., has sued rival OEA Inc., asking a judge to rule that Special Devices isn’t infringing on an OEA patent for a component in its automobile air bag triggers.

In a suit filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Special Devices says it believes Denver-based OEA may begin legal action if Special Devices continues to make the components.

Lawyers for Special Devices are asking a judge to declare the OEA patent invalid and to block OEA from suing them, as well as award Special Devices attorneys’ fees.

Special Devices and OEA--the top U.S. suppliers of air bag initiators--also make products used in tactical missiles and military crew escape systems.

Special Devices, acquired last year by privately held J.F. Lehman, employs more than 1,200 people in California, Arizona and Illinois.