Black & Decker Units Sue Masco

Two units of Black & Decker Corp., the world’s No. 1 maker of power tools, accused rival Masco Corp., the top U.S. maker of bathroom fixtures, of infringing on two patents for door-lock latch designs.

Irvine-based Kwikset Corp. and Delaware-based Emhart Inc., say in a suit filed last week in federal court in Los Angeles that they own the rights to patents awarded in 1983 and 1987 for the latches, which enhance security.

The companies contend that Masco, based in Taylor, Mich., is violating the patents by marketing latches and deadbolts under the Baldwin and Weiser brand names that incorporate Kwikset and Emhart inventions.

“Defendants’ infringement has been willful and deliberate [and] will continue to injure” the companies unless a judge stops Masco’s use of the technology, according to the suit, which seeks unspecified damages and legal fees after a jury trial.

Masco, however, believes the claims are without merit, said Samuel Cypert, the company’s vice president for investor relations.

Shares of Masco, which reported $4.34 billion in 1998 sales, rose 25 cents to $23.69. Shares of Black & Decker, with 1998 sales of $4.6 billion, rose 13 cents to $49.44.