Opinion ID: 1041291
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prior Dealings Between the Parties

Text: Lenco began marketing the Original ATR in 2001, including with each system instructions to connect the control wire to the boat’s engine ignition switch. Bennett sent a cease and desist letter to Lenco in November of 2001, notifying Lenco of the ’780 patent. Counsel for 6 BENNETT MARINE, INC. v. LENCO MARINE, INC. Lenco responded on April 5, 2002, asserting noninfringement but also proposing settlement. On February 25, 2003, Bennett and Lenco entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”). In the Settlement Agreement, Lenco agreed to pay $70.00 per unit for 371 Original ATRs previously sold with the original wiring instructions. After entering into the Agreement, Lenco sent out revised instructions notifying its customers to stop connecting the control wire of its ATRs to the engine ignition switch and to instead connect the control wire (labeled “orange”) to an “on/off switch,” also characterized as a “non-engine switch.” 1 Appendix B to the Settlement Agreement generally reflects the revised instructions.