Deere Cotton-Bale Packager Loses First Round of Patent Dispute

A U.S. International Trade Commission said it’s seeking public input after a judge found no violation of a patent owned by Israel-based Tama Group over packaging for cotton bales harvested with Deere tractors, according to a notice posted on the agency’s website.

• ITC Judge Charles Bullock issued a one-paragraph notice Friday saying he had found no violation of a Tama patent without providing details; the judge’s full findings are confidential until both sides get to redact confidential information
• Bullock’s determination is subject to review by the full commission, which has set a target date of April 11 to complete the …