Federal Circuit Affirms Munchkin, Inc.'s Invalidation of Nuby's Patent in Milestone Case

Van Nuys, California, April 17, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Munchkin, Inc., leading designer and manufacturer of infant and toddler products announced today that it received a milestone ruling from the Federal Circuit that a three-judge panel had affirmed the favorable decision that found competitor Luv n’ Care’s design patent for a baby and toddler drinking cup unpatentable.

On April 14, 2015, the Federal Circuit affirmed the USPTO’s decision, in the very first ever inter partes review of a design patent under the new America Invents Act, that Luv n’ Care’s design patent, which shows a drinking cup and lid, was unpatentable under Section 103 of the Patent Act.. 

“We are pleased with the Patent Office and the Federal Circuit’s careful review of the issues and believe this decision is significant, since it demonstrates that patents should only be awarded for novel and innovative inventions and competitors should not try to wrongfully use intellectual property to quash competition” said Munchkin, Inc.’s CEO, Steven B. Dunn.  “We are also pleased that this case demonstrates that the IPR process is an efficient and viable method for challenging patents that are not novel or are obvious.”  ​

Munchkin, Inc. was represented by partners from Lathrop & Gage’s intellectual property practice, Justin Poplin, R. Cameron Garrison, and Travis McCallon, as well as its General Counsel, Petty Rader and its in-house Patent Counsel, Robert Evora.

About Munchkin, Inc.

Founded in 1991, Munchkin Inc. is a privately held, global company headquartered in Van Nuys, California. Munchkin seeks to rid the world of the mundane by developing clever, innovative solutions that make family life safer, easier, and more fun. From feeding to potty, Munchkin creates innovative products and challenges industry standards in every facet of family life. A strategic partnership with Church and Dwight resulted in a line of diapering products that work with pure, natural baking soda, including the award-winning ARM & HAMMER™ Diaper Pail by Munchkin. The company continues to grow at a rapid rate, including two recent acquisitions of Lindam Ltd., the U.K.’s top baby safety brand in January 2010, and the January 2014 acquisition of BRICA, Inc., a leading travel accessories brand for babies and toddlers. Munchkin’s commitment to product excellence and keen awareness that the littlest things make the biggest difference, has earned the company worldwide recognition from consumers and retail partners alike. Munchkin, Inc. has won more than 40 industry awards, including multiple wins of the coveted Target® Corporation Partner Award of Excellence and the Toys “R” Us 2012 Vendor of the Year award. For more information, visit www.munchkin.com.

www.munchkin.com        www.Facebook.com/Munchkin  twitter.com/munchkin_inc  

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