"We do not infringe Rolls-Royce’s patent.Additionally, we believe the Rolls-Royce patent is invalid and unenforceable and that Rolls-Royce is unlawfully using its patent and taking other actions in an attempt to harm Pratt & Whitney." As the litigation proceeds, Pratt & Whitney will continue to market its PurePower engine family, which will deliver significant environmental and operational benefits.

“We are confident that the lawsuit filed by Rolls-Royce will have no impact to our customers on any program at Pratt & Whitney, including the GP7200 engine and the entire PurePower family of engines.” said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family. The program has met all milestones on time and we expect it will continue to be on schedule, regardless of Rolls-Royce's actions. We are disappointed that Rolls-Royce chose to file a lawsuit rather than to compete in the marketplace.”

Pratt & Whitney is an American aircraft engine manufacturer of products widely used in both civil and military aircraft. As one of the "big three" aero-engine manufacturers, it competes with General Electric and Rolls-Royce, although it has also formed joint ventures with both of these companies. In addition to aircraft engines, Pratt & Whitney manufactures gas turbines for industrial and power generation, marine turbines, and rocket engines. The company’s over 35,500 employees (2009) support more than 9,000 customers in 180 countries around the world.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. See (Pratt & Whitney To Layoff Employees Before Contract Negotiations)