Key facts
- Lufthansa Technik is in a London court dispute with Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, Panasonic, and Safran over patent infringement.
- The dispute concerns a patent for high-voltage aircraft passenger power outlets, allegedly infringed between 2017 and 2018.
- Previous court rulings found the patent valid and infringed by the defendants.
- The current appeal concerns the financial payout and interest awarded to Lufthansa Technik.
- Lufthansa Technik seeks a higher award, while the defendants argue the award is too high and includes unlawful interest.
Lufthansa Technik, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is engaged in a legal battle in London's Court of Appeal concerning a patent infringement dispute. The German airline maintenance firm alleges that US-based Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, Japan's Panasonic, and France's Safran copied its patented technology for high-voltage aircraft passenger power outlets while the patent was active, which expired in 2018. The litigation, which began in Germany in 2010, saw English proceedings commence in 2017. A 2020 ruling by the London Patents Court found the patent valid and infringed, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2022. In early 2025, Mr Justice Leech determined that the defendants must account to Lufthansa for profits earned, including interest. However, both Lufthansa Technik and the defendant manufacturers are dissatisfied with the High Court's calculation of the financial payout, leading to the current appeal hearing. Lufthansa Technik seeks a larger award, while the defendants contend the payout is excessive, includes unlawful interest, and risks overpayment.