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Standard Innovation in the News
Stay up-to-date with our innovations, inspirations and acclamations at Standard Innovation News/Events.- Read MoreWe-Vibe wins big at Adultex Awards
We-Vibe 3 is the Best Selling Pleasure Product and Thrill by We-Vibe is the Most Innovative Pleasure Product
May 7, 2013— OTTAWA, ONTARIO — We-Vibe® took home two top industry awards at the 2013 Adultex Awards in Queensland, Australia. We-Vibe® 3 is the Best Selling Pleasure Product and Thrill by We-Vibe™ is the Most Innovative Pleasure Product. The win marks the tenth industry award for the We-Vibe product line and the third prize for the recently introduced Thrill by We-Vibe.
“Being recognized by the industry for creating the top-selling and most innovative products makes me incredibly proud of what we at We-Vibe have created,” says CEO Danny Osadca. “The We-Vibe team works extremely hard to invent and bring to market the highest quality, most stimulating pleasure products. Thank you retailers, distributors and Adultex for recognizing our hard work.”
We-Vibe is a global sensation, with over 2 million couples in more than 50 countries sharing the vibe. The game-changing We-Vibe redefined the adult couples product category when it was commercially introduced five years ago. Worn while making love, We-Vibe is the No. 1 selling couples vibrator in the world. We-Vibe 3 comes with a convenient, one-button wireless remote, two powerful motors and a discreet travel case that doubles as a charging base.
Thrill by We-Vibe, the solo-use clitoral and G-spot vibrator, has garnered numerous accolades since its debut last fall. In addition to the Adultex Award, Thrill was awarded Highest Potential Product at eroFame 2012 in Germany and Powered Pleasure Product of the Year at XBIZ 2013 in Los Angeles. Thrill by We-Vibe features a contoured handle that allows women full control of pace, pressure and friction. Retailers can watch the latest sales training video for Thrill by We-Vibe at
we-vibe.com/thrill-demo.Adultex is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest gathering of adult industry manufacturers and retailers. Australia’s premier adult product distributor, Calvista, organizes the annual Adultex expo in Queensland. With over 20 years’ experience, Calvista supplies the world’s leading adult brands to the strong and growing Australian, New Zealand and South East Asian markets.
About We-Vibe®
We-Vibe products come in two top-selling sexual health and wellness lines: Couples and Solo. Couples can share the pleasure of enhanced intimacy and sexual satisfaction with We-Vibe® II and We-Vibe® 3. Worn while making love, We-Vibe is the No. 1 selling couples vibrator in the world. Available in over 50 countries, We-Vibe helps more than 2 million couples come together. Touch by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Thrill by We-Vibe™ make up the innovative Solo line. All We-Vibe products share the highest quality components and are body safe and eco friendly. We-Vibe is from Standard Innovation® Corp., a Canadian company dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and wellness.
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Contact:
Denny Alexander
Communications Manager
Email: dalexander@we-vibe.com
Call: 01 (613) 828-6678 x237
Visit: we-vibe.com
- Read MorePatent Dispute with Lelo Inc. — an Open Letter to the Industry
April 11, 2013 — Patent Dispute with Lelo Inc. — an Open Letter to the Industry
To our valued partners and colleagues in the industry:Standard Innovation highly values the relationships that we’ve built with our global partners in this industry. We act and communicate with integrity, fairness and honesty and have done so since day one. These values are built into the DNA of this company. So it deeply disturbs me to learn that Lelo Inc. has drawn you — our valued partners — into its lawsuit against us.
This is what we know: Lelo alleges that a component of the We-Vibe® 3 charging mechanism infringes a Lelo-owned U.S. patent. Lelo did not invent the charging mechanism technology, nor does it use it in its current product line — it recently purchased a patent, allegedly covering the technology, from a third party. We believe that this is a clear case of patent trolling, wherein a company purchases someone else’s patent and then looks for companies that potentially infringe and threatens them with legal action. It is disappointing when companies choose this path. We see this lawsuit as a retaliatory act by Lelo for suits we have filed against it to protect our We-Vibe® products.
I won’t let the strong We-Vibe® brand be tarnished by these allegations. This is a distraction created by Lelo on the heels of the initial determination made by Judge Thomas Pender for the United States International Trade Commission finding that certain Lelo products, including the Tiani, Tiani 2 and Mahana, infringe more than 60 claims of Standard Innovation’s U.S. patent. The ITC is currently scheduled to deliver its final determination on June 7, 2013. I am confident that the ITC will uphold Judge Pender’s initial determination that the We-Vibe® patent is valid and infringed by Lelo.
What can we do? We ask you to continue with your business as usual while we work with our legal experts. If you have received a threatening letter but have not contacted us, we ask that you do so immediately at legal@standardinnovation.com.
It is not enough to say that we are deeply concerned that some of you have received letters threatening legal action by Lelo. This dispute is between Lelo and Standard Innovation Corporation. We stand behind our innovative We-Vibe® products and we stand with you, our dedicated and loyal partners. Standard Innovation will continue to do what it does best — invent and innovate in the sexual health and wellness industry.
Sincerely,
Danny Osadca
Chairman and CEO
Standard Innovation® Corporation
- Read MoreStandard Innovation stands behind We-Vibe® 3 Distributors and Retailers
April 11, 2013—OTTAWA, ONTARIO—On April 2, 2013, Standard Innovation® was named in a U.S. civil action, filed by Lelo Inc., alleging that a component of the We-Vibe® 3 charging mechanism infringes on a Lelo-owned U.S. patent. Standard Innovation views this suit a retaliatory act in response to a Standard Innovation-filed lawsuit against Lelo for patent infringement, which is now before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Lelo did not invent the charging mechanism technology, nor does it use it in its current product line — they recently purchased it from a third party.
Standard Innovation is informing distributors and retailers of the We-Vibe® 3 that it stands behind its We-Vibe® line of products and with our valued channel partners.
“This lawsuit is clearly in retaliation for suits brought by Standard Innovation alleging that Lelo’s products infringe Standard Innovation’s patent covering the We-Vibe products,” said Danny Osadca, CEO, Standard Innovation. “We are deeply disappointed by recent actions Lelo has taken to disrupt the business of both the large and small retailers of our industry.”
Standard Innovation invites its distribution and retail partners to contact it at legal@standardinnovation.com with any concerns or questions and encourages them to refrain from corresponding with Lelo or its counsel regarding patent infringement allegations relating to the We-Vibe® 3 product. Standard Innovation stands behind its innovative We-Vibe® products and our dedicated and loyal partners.
Judge Thomas Pender, of the ITC, issued his initial determination in the investigation under “Section 337,” which found that certain Lelo products, including the Tiani, Tiani 2 and Mahana, infringe more than 60 claims of Standard Innovation’s U.S. Patent No. 7,931,605. The ITC is currently scheduled to deliver its final determination on June 7, 2013. Standard Innovation is confident that the ITC will uphold its initial determination that the Company’s patent is valid and infringed by Lelo.
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation®
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Its original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded its product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full line of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe® branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.
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For more information please contact:
Denny Alexander, Communications Manager
dalexander@standardinnovation.com
Call +01 (613) 828-6678 x237
Visit standardinnovation.com / we-vibe.com
- Read MoreOver two million couples worldwide share one great vibe At five year anniversary We-Vibe® couples vibrator is enjoyed by over two million couples.
April 10, 2013—OTTAWA, ONTARIO—Standard Innovation®, the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products, is celebrating the five year anniversary of the world’s No. 1 selling couples vibrator. The We-Vibe couples product line has achieved sales of over two million units, is available in 50 countries on six continents, and has been recognized with nine prestigious industry awards.
“When Bruce Murison invented the worn while making love couples vibrator, it was a revolutionary breakthrough,” explains Danny Osadca, CEO. “Aware of the value of his unique invention, Bruce had the foresight to spend his limited capital on applying for and obtaining a patent. Since then, thanks to our exceptional channel partners, the company has grown exponentially and transformed the couples product category. As a result of Standard Innovation’s unwavering focus on innovation, quality and safety, We-Vibe is now a globally-recognized and trusted mainstream brand.”
Standard Innovation commercially introduced the patented worn while making love device to the adult industry at the International Lingerie Show (ILS) in Las Vegas in April 2008. Orders were hand written in a small logbook. Once back at their in-home office, the three-person team—inventor Bruce Murison, Standard Innovation co-founder Melody Murison and the company’s first employee, Hilda Brownlee—assembled and inspected each We-Vibe, individually packaged and then shipped orders with 30-day terms. “We had our fingers crossed,” recounts Hilda, “hoping that the retailers would like the product, send us payment and tell friends and colleagues about the We-Vibe.”
In short order the We-Vibe won accolades taking the 2008 Eroticline Award for “Most Innovative Product” and being named “Toy of the Year” by Talk Sex renowned sexpert Sue Johanson. Over the next five years, the We-Vibe made it to the Oscars and on Dr. Oz. The Company brought two new generations of the We-Vibe to market and launched a solo line of products, all the while transforming the adult novelty industry with its innovative design, attention to quality and commitment to body-safe and eco-friendly products.
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation® Corporation
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Their original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded their product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full range of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.
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Contact:
Denny Alexander
Communications Manager, Standard Innovation Corporation
Office. +01 (613) 828-6678 x237
Mobile. +01 (613) 804-6678
Email. dalexander@we-vibe.com
Visit. we-vibe.com / standardinnovation.com
- Read MoreStandard Innovation responds to patent infringement claim filed by Lelo Inc.Standard Innovation® Corporation is the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products.
April 3, 2013—OTTAWA, ONTARIO—Standard Innovation® Corporation is the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products. On March 28, 2013, Lelo Inc. issued a press release announcing it filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Standard Innovation infringes a US patent for a massager charging mechanism that Lelo recently purchased, not something Lelo invented itself.
While common in other industries, this is Standard Innovation’s only experience with or knowledge of patent trolling in the adult novelties industry, and the Company views Lelo’s lawsuit as an act of retaliation for lawsuits brought by Standard Innovation alleging that Lelo’s products infringe Standard Innovation’s pioneering patent covering the We-Vibe® products. The lawsuit by Lelo does not pertain to Standard Innovation’s patented worn while making love device, rather the lawsuit pertains to the massager charging mechanism of the We-Vibe 3. Standard Innovation will thoroughly assess the situation and take appropriate action.
On January 8, 2013, Judge Thomas Pender of the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) released his initial determination in the investigation by the ITC under “Section 337” finding that certain Lelo products, including the Tiani, Tiani 2, and Mahana, infringe more than 60 claims of Standard Innovation’s U.S. Patent No. 7,931,605. The ITC is currently scheduled to deliver its final determination on June 7, 2013. Standard Innovation is confident that the ITC will uphold its initial determination that the Company’s patent is valid and infringed by Lelo.
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation® Corporation
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Their original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded their product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full family of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.
Contact
Lorraine Byerley
Vice President, Marketing, Standard Innovation Corporation
Call +01 (613) 828-6678 x275
Email lbyerley@standardinnovation.com
Visit standardinnovation.com
- Read MoreStandard Innovation® wins accolades for innovative Thrill by We-Vibe™Standard Innovation® Corporation, the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products, recently accepted the Powered Pleasure Product of the Year Award for Thrill by We-Vibe™ at the XBIZ Awards Gala 2013 in Las Angeles.
February 5, 2013—OTTAWA, ONTARIO—Standard Innovation® Corporation, the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products, recently accepted the Powered Pleasure Product of the Year Award for Thrill by We-Vibe™ at the XBIZ Awards Gala 2013 in Los Angeles. Being recognized at the XBIZ Awards is a special honour because it is the industry players who select the winners.
“We are thrilled to accept the Pleasured Product of the Year for Thrill by We-Vibe,” says Lorraine Byerley, Vice President, Marketing, Standard Innovation Corporation. “It’s especially rewarding when you know that it was our industry peers who voted for Thrill—so to you we say ‘thank you for your continued support of the innovative We-Vibe brand of sexual wellness products.’”
Thrill by We-Vibe has garnered a great deal of attention since its launch just last fall. In addition to the XBIZ Award, Thrill was named Highest Potential Product at eroFame 2012 in Germany. And, at the Consumer Electronics Show 2013 (CES) in Las Vegas, Thrill was recognized by a panel of veteran technology journalists as a Semi-Finalist in the prestigious Last Gadget Standing contest—a first-ever for a vibrator.
Like its siblings, Thrill is a premium-quality body-safe intimate massager made with medical-grade silicone. It is a dual-stimulation, solo-play vibrator with a low rumble that’s deeply satisfying for women. Ergonomically designed to work in sync with her body, Thrill is C-shaped to hug her pelvis. The soft silicone G-spot stimulator works its magic while the smooth ABS surface stimulates her clitoris. With a rocking motion, she controls the pace, pressure and friction. Dual stimulation and the extraordinary deep rumble result in the ultimate blended orgasm.
Continuing a tradition of providing world class support to its channel partners, Standard Innovation offers in-store merchandising tools and on-demand digital print ad mattes and product videos from the We-Vibe Partner Portal for Thrill by We-Vibe.
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation® Corporation
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Their original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded their product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full family of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.
Contact
Lorraine Byerley
Vice President, Marketing, Standard Innovation Corporation
Call +01 (613) 828-6678 x275
Email lbyerley@standardinnovation.com
Visit standardinnovation.com
- Read MoreStandard Innovation® Corporation launches the Science of Sex blogStandard Innovation® Corporation, the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products, announces the launch of its blog, the Science of Sex.
February 5, 2013—OTTAWA, ONTARIO—Standard Innovation® Corporation, the designer and manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products, announces the launch of its blog, the Science of Sex. From insights revealed in the Company’s research lab to insights from guest bloggers, Science of Sex will investigate and share with the public the many domains of sexuality from cultural trends to psychological factors to physiological responses.
Standard Innovation is committed to creating innovative, body-safe and eco-friendly products. Each We-Vibe product line is carefully designed to enhance sexual experiences. To deliver on its commitments, the Company collaborates with therapists, obstetrics and gynecology professionals, and sexuality researchers from around the world. The knowledge being accumulated is relevant to today’s conversations. Through the Science of Sex blog, the Company aims to make accurate information accessible to everyone by bridging the gap between research being conducted and its availability in the public domain; sparking discussions about sexuality; and sharing its passion and enthusiasm for sexual health and wellness.
“For many reasons, people are more open today than they were a decade ago to participate in conversations about sexual health and wellness,” says Danny Osadca, CEO, Standard Innovation, “We’ve seen it from a distance watching the Fifty Shades of Grey sensation and we’ve seen it up close with the success of our couples- and solo-use vibrators. Amongst the sexology community and our partners there are thought leaders who hold vast amounts of sexual health knowledge. We want to share that knowledge along with our own for the benefit of all.”
Standard Innovation invites you to visit the Science of Sex blog.
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation® Corporation
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Their original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded their product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full family of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.
Contact
Lorraine Byerley
Vice President, Marketing, Standard Innovation Corporation
Call +01 (613) 828-6678 x275
Email lbyerley@standardinnovation.com
Visit standardinnovation.com
- Read MoreITC FAQs for Channel PartnersFAQs for Channel Partners regarding the ITC finding on Standard Innovation® Corporation’s patent
We understand that the legal jargon of the ITC’s initial determination regarding Standard Innovation® Corporation’s patent can be confusing. Here are the most frequently asked questions and concerns—answered and clarified.
Q1. What does the January 8, 2013, United States International Trade Commission (ITC) initial determination made in its investigation related to Standard Innovation® Corporation’s patent on the C-shaped device that is worn while making love mean for retailers and distributors?
A1. The ITC initial determination is a finding by the ITC’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that Standard Innovation’s patent is valid, and that Lelo Inc.’s Tiani, Tiani 2 and Mahana products infringe Standard Innovation’s U.S. Patent No. 7,931,605. Retailers and distributors who sell any infringing product leave themselves open to a claim for patent infringement and associated remedies, including damages and an injunction.
Q2. Why did Standard Innovation start this legal action?
A2. Standard Innovation started this legal action in December 2011, shortly after Standard Innovation became aware that Lelo was selling products that Standard Innovation considered to be infringing its patent. It was necessary for Standard Innovation to pursue this course of action to protect the company’s valuable intellectual property.
Q3. What does Standard Innovation’s patent for the We-Vibe® device cover?
A3. As a strict legal matter, the claims of the patent describe exactly what the patent covers. As a general matter, Standard Innovation’s U.S. Patent No. 7,931,605 relates to sexual stimulation devices worn by a woman during intercourse that are C-shaped. Specifically, the patent is directed to a device dimensioned to be worn by a female during intercourse that includes an inner arm dimensioned for placement inside a vagina, an outer arm dimensioned for placement against a clitoral area, and a connecting portion that connects the inner and outer arms.
Q4. If I sell Lelo’s Tiani, Tiani 2 or Mahana products, will I have to pay damages to Standard Innovation?
A4. Retailers and distributors who sell Lelo’s Tiani, Tiani 2 or Mahana products do risk facing legal actions from SIC, which is committed to using all means available through courts and administrative agencies, such as the ITC, in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere around the world to protect its valuable intellectual property rights.
Q5. What is the amount of damages that I would have to pay
A5. A court of law decides the damages, which can be increased if the patent is willfully violated.
Q6. Is the ITC decision final?
A6. No, this is an interim decision by the ALJ. The final determination by the full Commission is expected by May 2013.
Q7. What should I do with my inventory of Tiani, Tiani 2 and Mahana?
A7. Standard Innovation suggests that you contact Lelo.
Q8. What countries could be affected by the ITC’s decision? How could they be affected?
A8. While the ITC has jurisdiction only to prevent importation and sale of infringing products in the United States, patents have been granted that cover the We-Vibe® device in Canada, Australia, China, Hong Kong, and Mexico, in addition to the United States, and patent applications are pending in Europe, Brazil, India and Korea. Legal actions are also underway in the Federal courts of the United States and Canada.
Q9. This is an initial determination. Will the outcome change with a later ruling?
A9. Both parties have exercised the option to petition the ITC to change its ruling.
Q10. When will the “final” determination be made by the ITC?
A10. Barring any extensions by the ITC, Standard Innovation expects the final determination from the ITC in May 2013.
Q11. What happens next?
A11. Standard Innovation will consider legal actions against any companies, including distributors and retailers, that market and sell products that infringe our patents or that otherwise violate Standard Innovation’s intellectual property rights, including the sale of counterfeit products, in the US and abroad.
In addition to the ITC proceeding, Standard Innovation has ongoing and separate patent infringement actions in the Federal Courts of the United States and Canada against Lelo’s allegedly infringing devices. In these actions, Standard Innovation seeks monetary damages as well as other available relief. Furthermore, in the United States, Standard Innovation asserts a claim of willful infringement, a finding of which can result in treble damages and payment of attorneys fees. Anyone selling devices in view of the public infringement finding of the ITC’s ALJ may be subject to a willful infringement claim.
- Read MoreShunga-brand lube safe with We-Vibe® massagersStandard Innovation® Corporation’s We-Vibe® 3, We-Vibe II and Touch by We-Vibe™ are premium-quality body-safe intimate massagers made with medical-grade silicone and are typically used with lubricants.
January 28, 2013—OTTAWA, ONTARIO—Standard Innovation® Corporation’s We-Vibe® 3, We-Vibe II and Touch by We-Vibe™ are premium-quality body-safe intimate massagers made with medical-grade silicone and are typically used with lubricants. As the sexual health and wellbeing of customers is paramount to Standard Innovation, the Company performed a three-month test of We-Vibe products with Shunga-brand lubricants. The test results conclude compatibility of Toko Silicone (silicone-based) and Toko Organica (water-based) lubricants with the We-Vibe 3, We-Vibe II and Touch massagers.
Three tests with five different Shunga formulations were carried out by Standard Innovation. For each test, the contents of two bottles of the given product and a We-Vibe massager were placed in a container. Then, the massager remained in the formulation for three months without interruption. After this time, the massagers were removed, cleaned and thoroughly inspected. No changes whatsoever to the material, the shape or the functionality were observed.
“We’re very pleased to find that Shunga’s lubricants are compatible with the We-Vibe family of intimate massagers,” said Lorraine Byerley, Vice President, Marketing, Standard Innovation Corporation. “We-Vibe silicone products are CE-marked and are made with the highest quality medical-grade silicone. Because the high-quality of our products is often a key purchase decision, it was important to us to perform tests to validate the integrity of our two products when used together.”
“We are delighted to hear of the positive test results,” said Ron Vaillancourt, Marketing & Regulatory Affairs Director,” Eau Zone Huiles & Fragrances. “Our Shunga-brand lubes are CE-marked and body-safe. We are proud that our products are compatible with another Canadian-based company’s body-safe products.”
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation® Corporation
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Their original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded their product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full family of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.
Contact
Lorraine Byerley
Vice President, Marketing, Standard Innovation Corporation
Call +01 (613) 828-6678 x275
Email lbyerley@standardinnovation.com
Visit standardinnovation.com
- Read MorePRESS RELEASEITC Judge finds Standard Innovation’s patent covering We-Vibe® valid and infringed by Lelo products
January 8, 2013—OTTAWA, ON—Judge Thomas Pender of the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today released his initial determination in the investigation by the ITC under “Section 337” to determine whether certain Lelo, Inc. products, including the Tiani, Tiani 2, and Mahana, infringe more than 60 claims of Standard Innovation’s U.S. Patent No. 7,931,605.
Standard Innovation Corporation, the manufacturer of the We-Vibe® family of sexual wellness products, is pleased to announce that Judge Pender has found that Standard Innovation’s patent was infringed by all three Lelo products, and that the patent is valid. This decision affirms the value of Standard Innovation’s intellectual property.
Unfortunately Judge Pender did not find that Standard Innovation met the ITC’s domestic industry requirement. Standard Innovation will seek to have that aspect of the decision reviewed and reversed by the ITC. The domestic industry criteria require that a company filing a complaint with the ITC meet a certain threshold of commercial activity in the US. Standard Innovation is confident regarding the merits of its petition for review on the domestic industry issue.
The ITC provides a unique forum, and extremely fast process, by which companies such as Standard Innovation may ensure that their valuable intellectual property rights are protected. In addition, the ITC has the power to issue a general exclusion order which would prohibit all infringing products as well as counterfeit products from being imported into the United States, protecting the health and wellness of its citizens from products that are not manufactured according to Standard Innovation’s high standards. Standard Innovation was pleased to participate in this process.
In addition to the ITC investigation, actions for patent infringement seeking damages and other relief against Lelo, and other parties that sell and distribute products accused of infringement, remain ongoing in Canada and the United States.
Standard Innovation will continue to vigorously pursue legal actions against those parties who attempt to market and sell products that are alleged to infringe its valuable intellectual property rights.
Standard Innovation was represented by Osha Liang LLP and Mayer Brown before the ITC, and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP as coordinating litigation and intellectual property counsel.
About We-Vibe® and Standard Innovation® Corporation
Standard Innovation Corporation is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality, safe, eco-friendly intimate products. Their original and signature couples product, the We-Vibe, quickly became the fastest selling sexual wellness product of its type in history. Dedicated to shaping the future of sexual health and well-being, Standard Innovation expanded their product family to include a solo-line of products including Thrill by We-Vibe™, Tango by We-Vibe™ and Touch by We-Vibe™. The full family of Standard Innovation’s We-Vibe branded products is currently available at thousands of retail locations in over 50 countries around the world.