AFC Cable Systems, Inc., New Bedford, Mass., and Alflex Corp., Long Beach, Calif., resolved a dispute over patents covering colored cable. AFC, a subsidiary of Thomas & Betts Corp. (T&B), Memphis, Tenn., has granted Alflex a license to manufacture cable under AFC's colored-cable patents, and Alflex, a subsidiary of Commonwealth Industries, Louisville, Ky., has agreed to recognize AFC's patents as valid and enforceable. The agreement took effect April 7.
AFC and its subsidiary, WPFY, Inc., had sued Alflex alleging that Alflex HCF cable violated a WPFY patent regarding the application of colored markings on armored cable. AFC also alleged that Alflex had used a trademarked AFC slogan, "It Can't Be Seen If It Isn't Green." AFC and Alflex filed papers in Boston Federal Court stopping all litigation between the companies, according to an AFC statement. Spokespeople from AFC and Alflex said the companies were satisfied with the matter's resolution.