Whirlpool Corporation and Curtis International, Ltd., today announced an amicable resolution of an infringement lawsuit brought by Whirlpool in March 2005 over a modular refrigerator that was manufactured for Curtis and sold throughout the United States. A Whirlpool spokesperson said, "We place a high value on the intellectual property portfolios associated with all of Whirlpool's product lines. We are pleased that we were able to work with Curtis to achieve a resolution of this case that was satisfactory to all of the parties involved." The terms of the settlement are confidential.

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Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $13 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Gladiator, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/ . For additional information about Whirlpool's GLADIATOR® GarageWorks brand garage storage systems and garage appliance products, please see http://www.gladiatorgw.com/ .

Curtis International Ltd. manufactures and distributes quality, value priced consumer electronic products. The company has been in the distribution business for over 25 years and offers a broad range of the latest technology in affordable home electronic products including DVD systems, portable and home stereos, telephones, portable televisions, and MP3 players. The company also distributes home appliances such as microwaves and water coolers. Curtis is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with distribution facilities across North America. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at http://www.curtisint.com/ .

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation