NEW YORK — The U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld its December decision confirming ArcelorMittal SA’s patent on aluminum-precoated hot- or cold-rolled steel for hot stamping, branded as Usibor, a spokeswoman for the steelmaker said March 21 via e-mail.

"As interpreted by the court, ArcelorMittal’s U.S. patent covers most of the steel U.S. carmakers specify for hot-stamped parts," the spokeswoman said. "Based on the decision, ArcelorMittal intends to enforce its rights against any infringers."

In February, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced plans to reissue Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal’s patent for Usibor, which is produced for U.S. consumers at the company’s Indiana steelmaking facilities (amm.com, Feb. 20).