The parties and the court

The case is Mestek Machinery, Inc. v. 1987 Machinery LLC, No. 8:26-cv-03857 (D. Md.), filed September 29, 2026. Mestek is a Delaware corporation based in Westfield, Massachusetts, that makes metal forming and fabrication machinery and sells a fiber laser cutting system under its Lockformer brand. The complaint describes 1987 Machinery as a Maryland limited liability company based in Huntingtown, Maryland. Venue is pleaded under 28 U.S.C. 1391 and 1400(b).

The patents

The complaint asserts U.S. Patent 10,807,200, issued October 20, 2020, and U.S. Patent 12,491,577, issued December 9, 2025, and says Mestek owns both. It describes them as generally directed to protection systems, such as a housing that surrounds only the laser torch head of a large laser cutting machine to protect the operator's eyes and skin from the laser's energy.

The accused product and counts

The accused product is the Open Table Laser, which the complaint says 1987 Machinery's product materials show with a patent-pending protective laser-head shroud, including configurations with a safety interlock and laser-rated viewing window. It alleges, on information and belief, that 1987 Machinery makes the shroud and installs it in the machine in Maryland, and that the machine includes a platen frame whose structural members are coated on all exterior sides with a protective material that absorbs light and energy from the laser torch head. Count I alleges direct infringement of the '200 patent, including claim 1, and Count II alleges direct infringement of the '577 patent, including claim 1, with exemplary claim charts attached. The complaint says Mestek's counsel sent a notice letter on August 25, 2025 identifying the '200 patent and the application that became the '577 patent, and it pleads willful infringement.

Relief sought

Mestek asks for judgments of infringement and willfulness, a permanent injunction, damages of no less than a reasonable royalty with prejudgment interest, increased damages up to three times, and a finding that the case is exceptional under 35 U.S.C. 285 with attorneys' fees and costs. It demands a jury.

What to watch next

The docket shows a summons issued to 1987 Machinery on September 30, 2026. Watch for service and for the defendant's answer or other response.