<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 25, 1999
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 1-10582 41-1672694
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) File Number) Identification No.)
600 SECOND STREET N.E.
HOPKINS, MINNESOTA 55343-8384
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (612) 931-6000
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed from last report)
<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events
On March 25, 1999, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
held invalid a patent that is the subject of a patent infringement action
captioned Thiokol Corporation (now known as Cordant Technologies Inc.) vs.
Alliant Techsystems Inc. and Hercules Incorporated. The patent was ruled to be
invalid because the invention was on sale more than one year before the date the
patent application was filed. In the action, which was filed on November 15,
1995, the plaintiff had alleged that the registrant's use of a particular rocket
motor insulation in certain rocket motors infringes the patent. The complaint
sought trebling of any damages that may be awarded based upon an allegation of
deliberate and willful infringement. The court had bifurcated the trial, with
the liability issue being tried first and, if liability was found, the damages
issue being tried second. The liability issue was tried in January 1998, after
which the court requested, and the parties submitted, post-trial briefs. The
court's decision is subject to the right of the plaintiff to appeal. The
plaintiff must file notice of any intent to appeal within 30 days of the date of
the entry of judgement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
Date: April 1, 1999
By: /s/ Charles H. Gauck
Name: Charles H. Gauck
Title: Vice President and Secretary
