The notice of the initial determination, issued last week by Judge David Shaw, relates to a court case filed by Manitowoc in June last year.

The complaint alleged Sany violated certain US patents, referred to in the hearing as the 928 and 158 patents. Sany was also accused of using Manitowoc’s trade secrets to design and manufacture the SCC8500 crawler crane.

“The trade secrets also include information relating to commercial aspects and benefits of transformable variable position counterweight technology,” Manitowoc said.

In issuing the initial determination, Judge David Shaw determined that Manitowoc demonstrated that “certain accused products infringe claims of the 928 patent”, and that Sany engaged in the “misappropriation of certain asserted trade secrets” owned by Manitowoc.

“Manitowoc is pleased by the Judge’s favourable ruling and looks forward to receiving the commission’s final order later this year,” Manitowoc said.

“The notice issued by the Judge released only limited information – the company will provide additional information once the public version of the final initial determination is issued.”