Tampa, FL – The law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, is pleased to announce that Ron Christaldi and his team at Shumaker were victorious in a recent two-week federal court trial for client ALPS South, LLC. The lawsuit, filed in 2008, began a four year medical device patent infringement battle between two direct competitors: Tampa-Bay based ALPS South, LLC, which employs more than 85 in the Bay area, and the Ohio Willow Wood Company. The trial took place in May and the final judgment was entered by the court on July 19, 2012.
The jury found the defendant to be making 13 products that infringe Alps’ patent and awarded Alps just under $4 million in damages. Significantly, the jury also found that the infringement was willful, which permits the judge to consider enhancing the damage award up to three times the jury awarded amount. Based on the verdict, ALPS is seeking an injunction against future infringement, which could result in as much as $20 million annually to ALPS. Mr. Christaldi noted “This victory obviously has significant ramifications for Alps, but it also could have a remarkable positive economic impact in Tampa Bay.”
ALPS South, LLC President Dr. Aldo Laghi remarked “Alps is extremely pleased with the result. The leadership and professionalism of Ron Christaldi and the Shumaker team was tremendous. We were proud to have them serve as counsel.”
Ron Christaldi, lead counsel for the trial and General Counsel to ALPS, added “Shumaker is honored to have ALPS as a client. This jury verdict brings justice to ALPS and confirms the strength of our legal system.”
ALPS South, LLC’s goal is to deliver innovative products to customers and patients. Since its founding in 1988, ALPS has expanded its knowledge to become an industry leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced gel-based products with seven locations worldwide and four divisions: Prosthetics, Orthotics, Silicone, and Patient Care.
Mr. Christaldi is a business lawyer with experience in both transactions and litigation. Mr. Christaldi is the Chair of the Health Care Practice group in the Tampa, Florida office of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. Mr. Christaldi is a Board Certified Health Lawyer and is AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He has been named one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida by Florida Super Lawyers®. Mr. Christaldi has also been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America® and selected Florida Legal Elite© by Florida Trend. Mr. Christaldi has also been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal with its prestigious “40 Under 40” award for professional accomplishments and community service.
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Founded in 1925, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP is a full service law firm with more than 220 attorneys practicing in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio; Tampa and Sarasota, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina.