Schneider Electric is accusing the US controls supplier Opto 22 of infringing some of its patents. Schneider has filed a suit in a Chicago court, alleging that Opto 22`s Ethernet Brain products and associated automation systems infringe its patents covering Web- and network-accessed controllers.

Schneider is demanding damages and a permanent injunction against Opto 22 to prevent future infringements. Responding to the allegations, Opto 22 vice-president Bob Sheffres has dismissed Schneider`s charges as being "without merit" and says that his company will defend itself "vigorously".