Lockheed Sues Rival Over Inspection Patent

Lockheed Martin Corp., the largest U.S. defense contractor, is seeking a court ruling that it doesn’t infringe a California company’s patent for a robotic inspection system used by the Air Force.

Lockheed says it “will face lost potential business” if it is sued by Aerobotics Inc. over a patent for a system that uses X-rays and ultrasound to check for cracks without dismantling aircraft. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Wilmington, Del., Lockheed says the patent is invalid because a predecessor firm developed a similar system in 1990.

Aerobotics, which hasn’t granted Lockheed a license for the patent, “will file a counterclaim against Lockheed for infringement,” said Ed Kurjanowicz, co-founder of the closely held Sacramento firm.

Shares of Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed fell 34 cents to $48.12 on the New York Stock Exchange.