In a dramatic legal confrontation, a North Carolina-based company has taken its grievances to the federal court, seeking clarity and protection against a barrage of allegations. On January 9, 2026, HEICO Fasteners, Inc., filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against Reaction Washer Company, LLC, Matrix Extreme Products, LLC, and Primesource Consulting, LLC. The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief to affirm that HEICO has not infringed on any patents or misappropriated trade secrets as claimed by these entities.
The conflict traces back to 2014 when discussions allegedly began between HEICO and Reaction Washer Company (RWC) concerning reaction washer technology. According to RWC’s claims in an October 21, 2024 letter, these discussions led HEICO to acquire proprietary designs from RWC and subsequently release competing products that purportedly infringe on U.S. Patent No. 10,107,325. RWC’s accusations escalated over time to include trade secret misappropriation and false advertising.
HEICO refutes these claims vehemently. In response letters dated November 26, 2024; March 7, 2025; and November 5, 2025; HEICO provided detailed rebuttals highlighting differences between their products and those patented by RWC. They also challenged the validity of RWC’s patent claims by referencing prior art related to wedge lock washers.
Despite numerous exchanges and even attempts at direct dialogue in December 2025 between representatives of both companies—no resolution was reached. Instead of filing suit themselves, RWC continued to threaten litigation unless HEICO ceased its operations related to reaction washers—a demand which HEICO argues is baseless given their consistent denial of any wrongdoing.
HEICO’s complaint underscores their position that they have operated within legal bounds without infringing on any rights claimed by RWC or its associated entities. They argue that RWC’s persistent threats have left them under a cloud of uncertainty impacting their business operations negatively.
The plaintiff seeks declaratory judgments confirming they have not violated patent laws under U.S.C §101 et seq., nor engaged in trade secret misappropriation or false advertising as alleged by the defendants. Additionally, they request the court declare this case exceptional under U.S.C §285 warranting reimbursement for costs incurred including attorney fees.
Representing HEICO is J. Mark Wilson from Moore & Van Allen PLLC based in Charlotte. The case has been assigned Case ID: 5:26-cv-00005 with jury trial demanded.
