Murphy USA to Pay Damages in Texas Patent Case

BEAUMONT, Texas — Murphy USA Inc. was ordered to pay $9.25 million in damages by a Texas jury after it found the convenience store operator violated four claims of automated synchronous pricing and advertising systems patents, and that all four claims were valid.

The patent-infringement case, Freeny, et, al., v. Murphy USA, Inc., Case No. 2:13-CV-791-RSP in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, was brought forth by Brian Freeny, James Freeny and Charles Freeny III, the sons of Dallas-area inventor Charles Freeny, Jr.

The plaintiffs were represented by Banys P.C. and Ward, Smith & Hill PLLC. "I am very proud to obtain this victory for the Freeny Brothers," said Banys P.C. founder Christopher Banys. "Charles Freeny, Jr. was a true American inventor and it is wonderful to see his legacy vindicated."

Murphy USA could not be immediately reached for comment when contacted by CSNews Online.

El Dorado, Ark.-based Murphy USA Inc. operated 1,271 convenience stores as of March 31.