Pacific Market International (PMI) received the Final Written Decision of the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board rendering all claims of U.S. Patent 7,997,442 owned by Ignite U.S.A./Contigo (“Contigo”) and for which Contigo alleged infringement by PMI to be invalid.
Despite proof that Contigo utilized technology invented by others nearly 40 years ago and which became public domain decades ago, Contigo refused to drop its claim of infringement against PMI forcing PMI to pursue the Patent Office decision of invalidity.
“PMI is a product innovation company that takes pride in our innovation while greatly respecting the intellectual property of others,” said Robert M. Harris, CEO of PMI. “We knew with great certainty that Contigo’s ‘442 patent was not ‘inventive’ by any measure, but instead was based on technology well-known to everyone in the market since the 1970’s. The decision today by a three Judge panel of the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board clearly validates this.”
Founded in 1983 by Rob Harris and guided by principles of sustainability, community and integrity, PMI manufactures, markets, and designs innovative food and beverage container solutions under three brands. Their two most recognizable brands, Stanley and Aladdin, are both over 100 years old and sold globally. Migo was founded in 1999 and is rapidly growing in the Asia Pacific region.
PMI also creates private label products for select global retailers. Headquartered in Seattle, PMI has offices in Bentonville, Shanghai, Amsterdam, Manila, and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, PMI has ownership in three manufacturing facilities, one in China and two in Brazil.
