CHICAGO, June 21 (Reuters) - A unit of auto parts maker Johnson Controls Inc. is suing Donnelly Corp. , alleging the company infringed on patents for car mirrors that have electronic compass systems in them.
Johnson Controls Technology Co., a subsidiary of Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls, claims in the lawsuit it has suffered damages including lost sales, profits and royalties as a result of the alleged infringement of four of its patents.
The company asked the court to restrain Donnelly from further infringement of the patents and to award Johnson Controls triple damages.
Holland, Michigan-based Donnelly supplies mirrors using the technology for Subaru vehicles, according to the lawsuit, filed June 10 in U.S. District Court in Michigan.
Donnelly officials were not immediately available to comment.
A spokeswoman for Johnson Controls, which makes building control systems in addition to automotive components, said the company would not comment beyond the filing.
Johnson Controls, Donnelly's largest shareholder with 14.7 percent of its total equity, in April said it may sell its stake in Donnelly, which also makes automotive electronics.