Northern District of Ohio Judge David Dowd refused to dismiss antitrust claims filed by automatic key-cutting machine manufacturer Hy-Ko Products, Inc., and the leading key-cutting machine manufacturer, the Hillman Group, and the leading supplier of blank keys, Kaba Ilco, Corp. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants, acting separately and in concert, used their market power to stymie the plaintiff’s entry into the key cutting machine market. Allegations include claims of tying and disparagement.
The court stayed discovery in the antitrust case pending resolution of a patent dispute between Hy-Ko and Hillman with respect to patents covering key cutting machines.