TriMas' Cequent Group Enforces Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TriMas Corporation (Nasdaq: TRS) – a diversified global manufacturer of engineered and applied products – today announced that Cequent Performance Products, Inc. reached an agreement with Pacific Rim International, LLC to protect the intellectual property rights of various Cequent Bulldog® brand gooseneck trailer couplers.

In response to the discovery late last year that Pacific Rim had copied Cequent's patented technology on several models of Cequent's Bulldog gooseneck trailer couplers, Cequent filed a patent infringement suit.

Cequent's Bulldog brand is a leading name in heavy duty couplers designed for utility, horse/livestock, cargo and construction trailer applications. The patented technology utilized in the Bulldog gooseneck couplers features a highly functional tapered locking plate system that has very high acceptance in these markets. Cequent's Bulldog gooseneck couplers are available in configurations to match virtually any gooseneck trailer.

In response to Cequent's claims, Pacific Rim agreed to settle the dispute with Cequent as opposed to facing continuing patent litigation in Federal District Court. The specific terms are confidential.

About Cequent

Cequent is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of accessories for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, recreational vehicles, passenger cars and trailers of all types. Products include cargo management and rack systems, towing and hitch systems, and trailer and electrical brake systems. Cequent draws upon a 75-year-old heritage of superior cargo management and recreational accessory brands, including: Bulldog®, ROLA®, Highland®, The Pro's Brand®, Draw-Tite®, Reese®, Hidden Hitch®, Fulton®, Wesbar®, and Tekonsha®.

About TriMas

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (NASDAQ: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into five strategic business segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components, and Cequent. TriMas has approximately 3,900 employees at more than 60 different facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com.  

SOURCE TriMas Corporation