In welcome news for the lighting industry, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, has approved a settlement between Vari-Lite and High End Systems regarding the ongoing litigation relating to certain Vari-Lite patents. The terms are confidential, but the settlement consists of a combination of payment to Vari-Lite and the exchange of specific rights concerning the use of certain of each other's patents. The settlement (to be finalized upon court approval, anticipated by press time) does not affect the sale or use of any current Vari-Lite or High End Systems product or service.
In a joint prepared statement, Rusty Brutsche, chairman and CEO of Vari-Lite, and Frank Gordon, CEO of High End, said, "Vari-Lite and High End welcome this agreement, and this is a very positive step for all involved. Putting the lawsuit behind us allows both companies to focus on continued development of products and services to meet the needs of our clients and the lighting industry."