The dispute between the two lighting manufacturers originated when Genlyte alleged that eight of Lutron’s Grafik Eye products — computer-based systems that control lighting in large, partitionable spaces such as convention centers and ballrooms — infringed a Genlyte patent that was issued in 1988.

Genlyte Thomas Group v. Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. (3:02-CV-0602-K) was heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas — the Dallas federal courtroom of Judge Ed Kinkeade.