WASHINGTON, D.C.—Standard Innovation Corp., makers of the couple’s vibrator We-Vibe, has not only gone after fellow manufacturers in its quest to protect its patent, but mainstream retailers as well.
In the federal complaint filed earlier this month with the U.S. International Trade Commission, Standard Innovation Corp. asked that Walgreen’s online store Drugstore.com stop selling products similar to the We-Vibe.
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Standard Innovation Corp., based in Ottawa, Canada, filed a complaint Dec. 2 with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., seeking an order that would halt competitors from shipping the rival products into theU.S.
The competing products, several of which are sold on Bellevue, Washington-based Drugstore.com, are infringing two patents, including one for the design of the device, according to the complaint., Bloomberg reported.
Among the companies named in the complaint were four manufacturers (Natural Contours, Screaming O, Evolved Novelties and LELO), four distributors and 11 retailers. Standard Innovation also filed a civil suit against LELOiAB of Sweden, in federal court in Houston.
The ITC is a quasi-judicial agency that has the power to block imports of products that violate U.S. patent rights. If it agrees to investigate the complaint, it typically completes its work in 16 to 19 months, Bloomberg reported.
