The lawsuit filed July 25, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, alleges that Wilsonville, Ore.-based FLIR infringed two Leak Surveys infrared gas-imaging patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,193,496 and 8,426,813.

The inventions protected by the Leak Surveys patents are methods and technologies for using infrared systems to visually detect gas leaks emanating from various components typically found in petrochemical plants, pipelines, utility plants, and other industrial settings. Such innovations now are considered best practices within the oil and gas industry, helping ensure compliance with federal regulations enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) covering leak detection and related repairs.

Leak Surveys’ patents resulted from the pioneering work of David Furry, the company’s founder and President. Mr. Furry is well known in the gas-leak detection industry and he has received numerous awards and accolades from the United States Congress, Texas Legislature, and the EPA for improving operator efficiency, public safety, and stewardship of the environment.

Leak Surveys is represented by the Dallas law firm Skiermont Puckett LLP. The lawsuit is Leak Surveys, Inc., v. FLIR Systems, Inc., No. 3:13-cv-02897. Leak Surveys is requesting monetary damages as well as a court order that would permanently enjoin FLIR from continuing the alleged infringement.