Story ID: 392
MD Helicopters Settles Copyright Case With Aerometals
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: The companies have agreed to work together to resume supplies of components and parts made by Aerometals for MD's rotorcraft. 
Word Count: 208
MD Helicopters (MDH) has reached a settlement in a copyright infringement case against parts manufacturer Aerometals it says lays the groundwork for a partnership between the companies that have been in a legal dispute since 2016. The settlement announced on March 3 “encourages” the organizations to reach “a mutually beneficial relationship” that could lead to competitive pricing for parts needed to manufacture MD’s rotorcraft.
Changes in ownership at Arizona-based MD Helicopters (Booth C2729) and its bankruptcy in March 2022 have complicated the long-running case. Bond insurer MBIA acquired the company out of Chapter 11 protection last September.
“MDH is pleased to resolve this issue with Aerometals and looks forward to re-establishing a collaborative working relationship,” commented president and CEO of MD Helicopters Brad Pedersen. “This is just one of many steps we’re taking to renew relationships with our suppliers and provide our customers with the quality parts and services that they expect and deserve.”
California-based Aerometals (Booth B6320) runs a full-service machine shop providing CNC machining and turning, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and assembly. It makes components for multiple rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft and holds more than 300 FAA parts manufacturing approvals and supplemental type certificates for items including inlet barrier filters.