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8/11/2019 Placon Corp. v. Sabert Corp. - Complaint
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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICTFOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN
PLACON CORPORATION6096 McKee Road
Madison, WI 53719,
Plaintiff,
v.
SABERT CORPORATION2288 Main Street ExtensionSayreville, NJ 08872,
Defendant.
))
)))))))))))))
)
Civil Action No. 14-cv-587
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF NONINFRINGEMENT AND
INVALIDITY
Plaintiff Placon Corporation (Placon), for its Complaint against Defendant Sabert
Corporation (Sabert) alleges as follows:
THE PARTIES
1. Placon is a Wisconsin corporation with a principal place of business at 6096 McKee
Road, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, 53719.
2. Upon information and belief, Sabert is a New Jersey corporation with a principal place of
business at 2288 Main Street Extension, Sayreville, New Jersey, 08872.
BACKGROUND
3. This is an action for a declaratory judgment of noninfringement and invalidity of U.S.
States Patent No. D527,956 (the 956 patent), which is attached as Exhibit A to this Complaint.
This action therefore arises under 35 U.S.C. 1 et seq.and 28 U.S.C. 2201et seq.
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4. Placon is a nationwide leader in the design and manufacture of thermoformed plastic
packaging for the food, retail, and medical device industries. Placon designs, produces and sells a
variety of food packaging materials for bakeries, catering companies, convenience stores, the
food processing industry, supermarkets, and the food service industry.
5. Placon manufactures, sells, and offers for sale its Fresh n Clear brand of bowls and
lids for storing food products for display and use in supermarkets, delis, quick marts, restaurants,
cafeterias, and similar venues. Included among this line of products is a12 ounce bowl, SBS-12,
and a lid, SDLS-2. A copy of a brochure depicting the SBS-12 and the SDLS-2 is attached as
Exhibit B.
6. Sabert purports to own the 956 patent. On or about August 15, 2014, Sabert, through its
counsel, sent Placon a letter alleging that Placon was infringing the 956 patent by
manufacturing, using, selling, offering for sale and/or importing a food container that matches
the description of Placons SBS-12 bowl used with a SDLS-2 lid (the Placon Product).The
letter and attached exhibits received from Saberts counsel is attached as Exhibit C.
7. In the letter from Sabert, Sabert demanded that Placon cease and desist with respect to all
sales activities of the Placon Product, provide the names and addresses of customers to which
Placon had sold the Placon Product, the numbers of units sold, information about inventories of
the Placon Product, and information about molds and tools used to manufacture the Placon
Product. Sabert also attached a purported complaint for patent infringement and threatened to sue
Placon if Placon did not accede to its demands by August 25, 2014.
8. Placon has a reasonable apprehension that Sabert will disrupt Placons business by filing
suit against Placon for alleged infringement of the 956 patent and attempting to enjoin Placons
activities and/or claim it is entitled to monetary damages.
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3
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
9. Placon incorporates all previous allegations by reference. Based on the foregoing, a
present, genuine, actual and justiciable controversy exists under 28 U.S.C. 2201 and 2202 and
the patent laws, 35 U.S.C. 1 et seq.,between Placon and Sabert regarding, among other things,
Placons alleged infringement of the 956 patent and the validity of the 956 patent.
10.This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action under 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338,
2201.
11.Upon information and belief, Sabert regularly conducts business throughout the United
States and sells products within this judicial district and within this state. Sabert has contracts
and/or key sales or distribution relationships throughout the state of Wisconsin, including with
DJ Payne, Advance Sales, Joshen Milwaukee, Sysco, Culvers, Reinhart Foods, Roundys, Kwik
Trip, US Foods, and the University of Wisconsin. Upon further information and belief, Saberts
sales within the state of Wisconsin amount to at least $10 million annually. Saberts business
activities in Wisconsin are so continuous and systematic as to essentially render it at home in
Wisconsin. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Sabert pursuant to Wis. Stat. 801.05.
12.Venue in this case is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)-(c) and 1400(b).
COUNT I DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF NONINFRINGEMENT
13.Placon incorporates all previous allegations by reference.
14.The Placon Product, and any product similar to the Placon Product that is used,
manufactured, sold, offered for sale, and/or imported by Placon does not and will not infringe
the 956 patent.
15.Accordingly, Placon is entitled to a declaratory judgment of noninfringement.
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4
COUNT II DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF INVALIDITY
16.Placon incorporates all previous allegations by reference.
17.The 956 patent is invalid under one or more of 35 U.S.C. 102, 103 and/or 112 in view
of at least United States Patent No. D450,983, Saberts Freshpack all set to go Brochure dated
1997, and /or a bowl and lid product manufactured and sold by Placon to Leeann Chin Inc., a
design of which is attached as Exhibit D, prior to the priority date of the 956 patent.
18.Accordingly, Placon is entitled to a declaratory judgment on invalidity.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Wherefore, Placon requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against Sabert as
follows:
A. Declaring that Placon has not, and will not, infringe the 956 patent;
B. Declaring that the 956 patent is invalid;
C. Declaring that Placon is entitled to its fees and costs in this action pursuant to 35
U.S.C. 285 and any other applicable statute, and awarding such fees and costs; and
D. Awarding such other relief as deemed appropriate.
JURY DEMAND
Placon demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
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Dated: August 22, 2014 MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.
/s/ Edward J. Pardon
Jeffrey S. Ward
[email protected] J. [email protected] East Doty Street, Suite 600Madison, WI 53703(T) 608-280-6750(F) 612-332-9081
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EXHIBIT A
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111111
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD527956S
(12) United States Design Patent (10)
Patent No.: US D527 956 S
Sep. 12 2006
oliwa
(45)
Date of Patent:
(54)
COMBINED SQUARE BOWL AND LID
(75) Inventor: Wojciech Doliwa Sayreville, NJ (US)
(73) Assignee: Sabert Corporation Sayreville, NJ
(US)
(**) Tenn: 14 Years
(21) Appl. No.: 291243 360
(22) Filed: Nov. 23 2005
Related U.S. Application Data
(62) Division
of
application No.
291205,921,
filed on May 21,
2004, now abandoned.
(51) LOC (8) Cl.
....................................................
07-01
(52) U.S. Cl.
..........................................
D7/629; D9/432
(58)
Field
of
Classification Search
..................
D7/601,
D7/602,
629, 538-542; D9/424-432;
220/360,
220/366, 574, 780-806, 912, 913;
229/406,
229/407, 902-906
See application file for complete search history.
(56)
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,412,630 A * 1111983 Daenen ......................
2201792
D355,814 S * 211995 VanValkenburg et
aI .....
D7/629
5,992,679 A * 1111999 Porchia et al. ...... ...... ..
2201782
D439,159 S *
3/2001
Chen ...........................
D9/425
D441,615 S
* 5/2001
Dretzka .......................
D7/629
D450,983 S *
11/2001
Tucker et al. ................
D7/629
D475,620 S
* 6/2003
Chen et al. .. ..... ..... ..... .
D9/425
D490,278 S
* 5/2004
Welsh .........................
D7/629
* cited by examiner
Primary Examiner-Terry
A. Wallace
(74) Attorney, Agent,
or Firm-Erza
Sutton, Esq.
(57)
CLAIM
The ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and lid,
as shown and described.
DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view
of
a combined square bowl
and lid embodying a first embodiment of my new design;
FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;
FIG. 4 is a left side view thereof;
FIG. 5 is a right side view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view
of
a combined square bowl
and lid embodying a second embodiment
of
my new design;
FIG. 7 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 8 is a rear view being thereof;
FIG. 9 is a left side view thereof;
FIG. 10 is a right side view thereof;
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a combined square
bowl and lid embodying a third embodiment of my new
design;
FIG.
12
is a front view thereof;
FIG. 13 is a rear view being thereof;
FIG. 14 is a left side view thereof; and,
FIG. 15 is a right side view thereof.
1 Claim 9 Drawing Sheets
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 1 of 9
US D527,956 S
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u s Patent
Sep.12 2006
Sheet 2 of 9
US D527 956 S
\
,
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 3 of 9
US D527,956 S
\
\
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u s
Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 4
of
9
us
D527,956 S
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 5 of 9
US D527,956 S
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 6 of 9
US D527,956 S
~
a
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.
~
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c. J
t:--i
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 7 of 9
us D527,956 S
ase: : -cv- ocumen : - e : age o
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u s Patent
Sep.12 2006
Sheet 8 of 9
US D527 956 S
/ - - - -
~ ~ ~ ~
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u s Patent Sep.12,2006 Sheet 9 of 9 US D527,956 S
1O
~
T--f
.
~
k:
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111111
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD527956Cl
(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
6498th)
United States Patent (10) Number:
US D527 956
l
Doliwa (45) Certificate Issued: Oct. 28 2008
(54)
COMBINED SQUARE BOWL AND LID
(75) Inventor:
Wojciech Doliwa
Sayreville, NJ (US)
(73) Assignee: PNC Bank National Association, East
Brunswick, NJ (US)
Reexamination Request:
No.
901010,077,
Dec.
12,2007
Reexamination Certificate for:
Patent No.:
Des. 527 956
Issued:
Sep. 12 2006
Appl. No.:
291243 360
Filed:
Nov. 23 2005
Related U.S. Application Data
(62) Division
of
application No. 29/205,921, filed on May 21,
2004, now abandoned.
(51)
LOC
(8)
Cl.
....................................................
07-01
(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................... D7/629; D9/432
(58)
Field
of Classification
Search
...................
D7/629,
(56)
D7/601,
602, 538, 542;
D9/424-426;
2201782
See application file for complete search history.
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
0272,595 S 2/1984 Chase et al.
D475,620 S 6/2003 Chen et al.
D475,621 S 6/2003 Buchalski et aI.
D495,928 S 912004 Laib
D505,596 S 5/2005 Tucker et al.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
"FreshpackTM all set to
go"
Brochure, Sabert Corporation,
dated 1997, and filed with a Statement of Use in U.S. Trade
mark Application Serial No.
75/407,501
on Aug. 2,1999.
Primary
Examiner-Robert
M. Spear
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US D527 956
l
Page 2
EX PARTE
REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
DETERMINED THAT:
The patentability of the single design claim is confirmed.
The ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and
lid, as shown and described.
* * * * *
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111111
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD527956C2
(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (7229th)
United States Patent (10)
Number:
US D527,956 C2
Doliwa
(45)
Certificate Issued: Dec. 8,2009
(54)
COMBINED
SQUARE
BOWL
AND LID
(75) Inventor: Wojciech Doliwa, Sayreville, NJ (US)
(73) Assignee:
PNC Bank,
National Association, East
Brunswick, NJ (US)
Reexamination Request:
No. 90/009,364, Mar.
18,2009
Reexamination Certificate for:
Patent No.: Des. 527,956
Issued: Sep. 12, 2006
Appl. No.: 291243,360
Filed: Nov. 23, 2005
Reexamination Certificate
Cl
Des. 527,956 issued Oct. 28,
2008
Related
U.S.
Application
Data
(62)
Division of application No. 29/205,921, filed on May 21,
2004, now Pat. No. Des. 588,417.
(51) LOC (9) Cl. .................................................... 07-01
(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................... D7/629; D9/432
(58) Field
of
Classification
Search
........................ None
See application file for complete search history.
(56) References
Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
DI03,125 S
3,447,714 A
4,917,261 A
5,356,026 A
D366,211 S
5,984,130 A
D440,829 S
D450,983 S
D475,620 S
D505,596 S
2/1937 Nicholson .................... D7/542
6/1969 Elliott ........................
206/1.5
4/1990 Borst ......................... 220/324
1011994 Andress et
aI
.............. 206/508
111996 Buff et al. .................... D9/425
1111999 Hayes et aI. . .............. 220/574
4/2001 Brown ......................... D7/629
1112001 Tucker et al. ..... ...... ..... D7/629
6/2003 Chen et al. ................... D9/425
512005
Tucker et al. ..... ...... .....
D7/629
Primary
Examiner-RobertM Spear
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US D527 956 C2
Page 2
EX PARTE
REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
DETERMINED THAT:
The patentability of the single design claim is confirmed.
The ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and
lid, as shown and described.
* * * * *
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EXHIBIT B
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Fresh n Clear
Mouth-watering displays,leak-resistant seals, securestacks,
and superb convenience!
BOWLS AND LIDS
6096 McKee RoadMadison, WI 53719
800.541.1535www.placon.com
e-mail: [email protected]
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Nothing ElseStacks Up
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Fresh n ClearBOWLS AND LIDS
Its not round, its not square its
scround! The unique scround design has a
modern look with a custom container feel
guaranteed to make your products stand out.
Scround bowls are perfect for cold, ready-to-eat
deli foods like lettuce salads, pasta and cut fruit to
baked goods and nuts!
Display cases not only look attractive and
li b t i i i d
Lids can becustom-embossedfor strong brand
recognition.
8/11/2019 Placon Corp. v. Sabert Corp. - Complaint
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SBL-48B SBL-48C
SB2X-80B
SBL-64B
SB2X-160C
SBL-64C
SB2X-160B
SBS-16B SBS-16C SBM-24B SBM-24C
SBM-32B SBM-32C
SBS-08CSBS-08B SBS-12CSBS-12B
SBL-32B SBL-32C
SB2X-80C
SBM-32B-3CC SBL-48C-4CCSBL-48B-4CCSBM-32C-3CC
*2XL & 3XL available in Flat Lid only.
Choose from three lid designs,
available in small, medium,
large, 2XL and 3XL.*
Flat Lid (Wave Design)Flat Lid Dome Lid Custom, embossed lids
are also available.
Case: 3:14-cv-00587 Document #: 1-2 Filed: 08/22
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Fresh n Clear Bowls are just one product in Placons food packaging line
containing EcoStarfood-grade recycled PET with up to 100% post-consumer
recycled content.
SIZESAVAILABLE
Part Case Case Weight/ Pallet Cases/Number Description Dimensions (in) Pack Case Cube TI/HI Pallet UPC
Small Bowl Use SFLS, SFLS-2 and SDLS-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.
SBS-08 8 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 5.00 x 5.00 x 1.74 500 13 lbs/2.56 6 x 6 36 044474081615SBS-12 12 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 5.00 x 5.00 x 2.19 500 13 lbs/2.56 6 x 6 36 044474081639SBS-16 16 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 5.00 x 5.00 x 2.91 500 16 lbs/2.56 6 x 6 36 044474081653
Medium Bowl Use SFLM, SFLM-2 and SDLM-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.
SBM-24 24 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 7.50 x 7.50 x 1.66 300 17 lbs/3.28 5 x 6 30 044474081684SBM-32 32 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 7.50 x 7.50 x 2.19 300 17 lbs/3.28 5 x 6 30 044474081707
SBM-32-3CC 32 oz. Compartment Bowl in 7.50 x 7.50 x 2.19 300 17 lbs/3.28 5 x 3 15 044474384266Clear or Black w/Center Cup
Large Bowl Use SFLL, SFLL-2 and SDLL-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.
SBL-32 32 oz. Clear or Black 9.00 x 9.00 x 1.63 150 13 lbs/2.33 10 x 4 40 044474116362Shallow Bowl
SBL-48 48 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 9.00 x 9.00 x 2.22 150 15 lbs/2.33 10 x 4 40 044474081936SBL-48-4CC 48 oz. Compartment Bowl in 9.00 x 9.00 x 2.25 150 15 lbs/2.33 10 x 2 20 044474384464
Clear or Black w/Center CupSBL-64 64 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 9.00 x 9.00 x 2.87 150 15 lbs/2.33 10 x 4 40 044474081950
2X-Large Bowl Use SF2XL-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.
SB2X-80 80 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 12.00 x 12.00 x 2.38 50 8 lbs/1.80 6 x 3 18 044474002115SB2X-160 160 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 12.00 x 12.00 x 3.90 50 11 lbs/1.80 6 x 3 18 044474002122
3X-Large Bowl Use SF3XL-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.
SB3X-320 320 oz. Clear* or Black Bowl 16.12 x 16.12 x 4.13 36 16 lbs/3.70 4 x 2 8 044474200900
Lids
SFLS Small Flat Lid (Wave Design) 5.00 x 5.00 x 0.33 500 11 lbs/2.16 6 x 7 42 044474081660SFLS-2 Small Flat Lid 5.00 x 5.00 x 0.33 500 11 lbs/2.16 6 x 3 18 044474116447SDLS-2 Small Dome Lid 5.00 x 5.00 x 0.63 500 11 lbs/2.16 6 x 3 18 044474116386
Fits 8, 12 and 16 oz. bowls.
SFLM Medium Flat Lid (Wave Design) 7.50 x 7.50 x 0.33 300 13 lbs/2.86 5 x 7 35 044474081714
SFLM-2 Medium Flat Lid 7.50 x 7.50 x 0.33 300 13 lbs/2.86 5 x 3 15 044474116461SDLM-2 Medium Dome Lid 7.50 x 7.50 x 1.04 300 13 lbs/2.86 5 x 3 15 044474116409
Fits 24 and 32 oz. bowls.
SFLL Large Flat Lid (Wave Design) 9.00 x 9.00 x 0.33 150 13 lbs/1.96 10 x 5 50 044474081967SFLL-2 Large Flat Lid 9.00 x 9.00 x 0.33 150 13 lbs/1.96 10 x 2 20 044474116485SDLL-2 Large Dome Lid 9.00 x 9.00 x 1.29 150 13 lbs/1.96 10 x 2 20 044474116423
Fits 32 oz. Shallow, 48 and 64 oz. bowls.
SF2XL-2 2X Large Flat Lid 12.00 x 12.00 x 0.55 50 7 lbs/1.80 5 x 3 15 044474002139Fits 80 and 160 oz. bowls.
SF3XL-2 3X Large Clear Flat Lid 16.12 x 16.12 x 0.55 86 24 lbs/2.36 4 x 4 16 044474200917Fits 320 oz. bowl.
*320 oz. Clear Bowls are available as special orders.
SB3X-320
f 7
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Made in the USA
6096 McKee Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53719
800.541.1535 [email protected] www.placon.com2014 Placon Corpo
Fresh n Clear Trays & Lids
Crystal Seal
Crystal SealreFreshFresh n Clear Envisions
For virtually any retail food environment
supermarkets, delis, quick marts, restaurants,
cafeterias, food carts and beyondPlacon provides
thermoform packaging products that deliver
superior performance. Quality designs, secure
seals and exceptional clarity all play a role in our
industry-leading containers. Polypropylene and
PET options mean our packaging can accommodate
virtually any food product, use and environment.
And, our EcoStarfood-grade recycled PET (with
up to 100% post-consumer recycled content) allows
you to market your products while showing
consumers your commitment to sustainability.
For samples or to request additional information
about any of our product lines, call 800.541.1535
or email us at [email protected].
HomeFreshRotisserie
Chicken
HomeFreshDeli EvolutionsDeli
PLACONISYOURSOLUTIONFORFOODPACKAGING.
Fresh n Clear
Catering
Fresh n Clear
Multi-Compartment
Crystal Seal
Tamper-Evident
Dimensions Bakery
NEW NEW
Ca
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EXHIBIT C
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August 15, 2014
VIA UPS
Mr. Dan Mohs
CEO
Placon Corporation
6096 McKee Rd
Madison, WI 53719
~
COZEN
\.. O'CONNOR
Martin B. Pavane
Direct phone 212-883-4994
Direct
Fax 646-588-1478
Re: Placon Corp.'s Inf ringement of Sabert Corp.'s U.S. Patent No.
0527,956
Dear Mr. Mohs:
We are counsel for Sabert Corporation ("Sabert"), a well-known designer, manufacturer, and
distributor of containers for packaging, displaying, serving and storing food products.
For some time Sabert has been selling into the market a proprietary food container having a
unique design, for which Sabert obtained U.S. Patent
No.
0527,956, entitled: "Combined
Square Bowl and Lid" (copy enclosed).
It has come to Sa bert's attention that Placon Corporation ("Placon") is selling a food container
that is a copy
of
Sabert's proprietary container. The container
in
question ("Placon Container")
is a clear, 12 oz. square bowl and lid measuring about 5" by 5", with a height of about 2.5" (see
enclosed photograph). Sabert understands that Placon is selling the Placon Product at least to
Quick Chek Food Stores, Inc. The harm to Sabert is self-evident.
As indicated
in
the enclosed Complaint for design patent infringement, which has not yet been
filed, Sabert intends to pursue all available remedies against Placon's infringement. Available
remedies include: (1) an injunction preventing Placon from making, using, offering for sale, and
selling its infringing container, or importing its infringing container into the United States (35
U.S.C. 283); (2) an order compelling Placon to deliver up for destruction any molds or other
tools especially adapted for manufacture of the infringing containers (35 U.S.C.
283); (3) a
monetary award equal to the amount
of
damages suffered by Sabert as a result
of
Placon's
infringement (35 U.S.C. 284); (4) a monetary award equal to Placon's total profit from the sale
of its infringing container (35 U.S.C.
289) (5) trebling of the damages award (35 U.S.C.
284);
and (6) an award of attorneys' fees (35 U.S.C.
285).
Sabert hereby demands that Placon (1) confirm in writing to the undersigned by no later than
August
25,2014
that Placon has ceased all offers for sale and sales of the Placon Container,
(2) provide the names and addresses for each party to whom the Pia con Container has been
sold and the number
of
units sold to each, (3) provide complete information regarding the
number of Placon Containers currently in Placon's inventory, and (4) identify all molds and other
tools especially adapted for manufacture of the Placon Container.
277 Park Avenue New York, NY 10172
212.883.4900 888 .864.3013 212.986.0604
Fax
cozen.com
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Mr. Dan Mohs
August
15,
2014
Page 2
In the absence of Placon's timely response. Sabert intends to file the enclosed Complaint
in
the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Nothing
in
this letter is intended, or should be understood, as constituting
an
exhaustive
statement of our client's position
or
a waiver
or
limitation of any of its legal or equitable rights or
remedies with respect to Placon's infringement of U.S.
0527,956,
and all such rights are
expressly reserved
Sincerely,
COZEN O'CONNOR
~ ~ 6 v
MBP
Enclosures
LEGAL\20184906\1
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, ,
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IN
THE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
---------------------------------------------------------------)
S ~ E l i C O ~ O A A T I ~ ,
)
)
Plaintiff, )
)
v.
)
)
PLACON
C O ~ O A A T I O N
)
)
Defendant. )
---------------------------------------------------------------)
Civil Action No.
COMPLAINT
PATENT INFRINGEMENT
(Trial by Jury Demanded)
Plaintiff, Sabert Corporation ("Sabert"), for its Complaint against Defendant Placon
Corporation ("Placon"), alleges as follows:
THE PARTIES
1. Sabert
is
a New Jersey corporation with a principal place of business
at
2288 Main
Street Extension, Sayreville, NJ 08872.
2. Upon information and belief, Placon is a Wisconsin corporation with a principal place
of
business at 6096 McKee Road, Madison, WI 53719.
3. Upon information and belief, Placon regularly conducts business throughout the United
States and within this judicial district.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
4. This is an action for patent infringement arising under the patent laws of the United
States, 35 U.S.C.
1 et seq.
5. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action under 28 U.S.C.
1331 and/or 1338.
6. Venue in this Court
is
proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)-(c) and 1400(b).
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GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
7. United States Patent No. D527,956 ("the '956 Patent"), entitled "COMBINED
SQUARE BOWL AND LID," was duly and legally issued by the United States Patent
and Trademark Office on September 12, 2006. A true and correct copy of the '956
Patent
is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
8. Sabert
is
the owner
of
the '956 Patent.
9. Sabert
is
a well-known designer, manufacturer and distributor of containers for
packaging, displaying, serving and storing food products, including the combined
square bowl and lid covered by Sabert's '956 Patent ("Sabert's Patented Container").
10. Upon information and belief, Placon has manufactured, used, offered for sale and/or
sold in the United States, and/or imported into the United States, food containers,
including the clear 12 oz. square bowl and lid depicted in the photograph attached
hereto
as
Exhibit B, that infringe Sabert's '956 Patent.
11. Upon information and belief, employees of defendant Placon saw one or more of
Sabert's Patented Containers prior to the design and initial manufacture and sale in the
United States and/or importation into the United States by
or
for defendant Placon of
Placon's infringing food containers.
12. Upon information and belief, employees of defendant Placon were aware of the '956
Patent prior to the design and initial manufacture by defendant Placon of Placon' s
infringing food containers, and prior to any sale in the United States and/or importation
into the United States of Placon's infringing food containers.
2
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13. On August 15, 2014, Sabert sent defendant Pia con a letter notifying Placon
of
its
infringement of Sabert's '956 Patent.
COUNT I - CLAIM FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT AGAINST
PLACON
14. Sabert incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-13 of this Complaint as
if
fully set forth
herein.
15. Upon information and belief, in violation of 35 U.S.C.
271, Placon has made, used,
offered for sale and/or sold, and/or imported into the United States, and continues to
make, use, offer for sale and/or sell in New Jersey and elsewhere in the United States,
and/or import into the United States, food containers, including the clear,
12
oz. square
bowl and lid depicted in the photograph attached hereto
as
Exhibit B, that infringe the
'956 Patent, and Placon will continue such infringement unless enjoined by this Court.
16. Upon information and belief, the acts of infringement by Placon alleged herein were
and are willful, intentional and in conscious disregard of Sabert's rights under the '956
Patent.
17. As a result of Pia con's infringement
of
the '956 Patent, Placon has made and will
continue to make unlawful gains and profits, and Sabert has been and will continue to
be deprived
of
revenue that it would otherwise have generated but for such
infringement.
18. Sabert has been and will continue to be irreparably harmed by Placon's infringement
of
the '956 Patent.
19.
As
a result of Placon's acts of infringement, Placon has unjustly profited and Sabert has
been damaged.
3
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JURY
DEMAND
Pursuant to Fed.
R.
Civ. P. 3 8(b), Sabert requests a trial by
jury
on all issues so triable.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Wherefore, Sabert prays for relief as follows:
A. A judgment that Placon has infringed the '956 Patent;
B. An order pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 283 enjoining and restraining Placon, its
officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, affiliates, attorneys and all others
in active concert or participation with Placon, from infringing the '956 Patent;
C. An order pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 283 compelling Placon to deliver up for
destruction any molds
or
other tools especially adapted for manufacture of the
infringing containers;
D.
An accounting of Piacon's sales of food containers that infringe the '956 Patent,
including sales that occur after the close
of
fact discovery in this action;
E. A judgment pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284 awarding Sabert its damages, but not less
than a reasonable royalty, resulting from Placon's infringement ofthe '956 Patent,
including damages suffered by Sabert as a result
of
Piacon's acts
of
infringement
of
the '956 Patent subsequent to the close
of
fact discovery in this action;
F. A judgment pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
289 awarding Sabert an amount equal to
Placon's total profits resulting from Placon's infringement;
4
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G. A judgment that Placon's infringement ofthe
'956
Patent has been and is in
willful, knowing and deliberate disregard
of
Sabert' s patent rights, and awarding
Sabert enhanced damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284;
H. A judgment awarding Sabert its costs, disbursements and attorneys' fees incurred
in prosecuting this action pursuant to 35
U.S.c.
284 and/or 285;
I. A judgment awarding Sabert pre- and post-judgment interest on any monetary
award; and
J.
Such other and further relief as the Court may deem just, equitable, and proper.
Date: August 15,2014
20159075vl
COZEN O'CONNOR
By:_____________
COZEN O'CONNOR
Martin B. Pavane
(pro hac vice motion
to
be filed)
Darren S. Mogil
(pro hac vice motion
to
be filed)
277 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10172
Attorneys for
Plaintiff
Sabert Corporation
5
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111111
I I I I I I I I I I I ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
USOOD527956S
(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.:
US D527,956 S
** Sep. 12, 2006
oliwa (45) Date of Patent:
(54) COl\ffiINED SQUARE BOWLAND LID
(75) Inventor: Wojciecb Doliwa, Sayreville,
N.I
(US)
(73) Assignee: Sabert
Corporation,
Sayreville, NJ
(US)
( ... ) Ternl:
14 Years
(21) Appl. No.: 29/243,360
(22) Filed: Nov. 23, 2005
Related U.S. Application Data
(62) Oivision of application No.
29
1205,921.
filed
on May
21,
2004, now abandoned.
(51) LOC (8) Cl .................................................... 07-01
(52) U.S. CI .......................................... D7/629; 09/432
(58) Field
of
Classification Search ..................
07/601,
(56)
07/602,6 29,538-542; 09/424-432; 220/360,
220/366,574,780- 806,912,913; 229/406,
229/407, 902 906
See application file for complete search history.
References
Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,412,630 A .. 11 / 1983 Oaenen ...................... 2201792
0355,814 S
..
211995 VanValkenburg
et
aI .....
07
/
629
5,992,679 A .. 1111999 Porchia et al. ..............
220
17
82
0439,159 S
..
31
2001
Chen ........................... 09 /425
0441,615 S
..
5/2001 Oretzka .......................
07
/629
0450,983 S .. 1112001 Tucker et al. ................ 071629
0475,620 S
..
6/2003 Chen et
al.
.................. 09 /425
0490,278 S ..
5/2004
Welsh ......................... 07 /629
'"
cited
by
examiner
Primary Examiner-Terr y A. Wallace
(74) Attorney, Agent, or
Firm-Erza Sutton, Esq.
(57) CLAIM
TIle ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and lid,
as shown and described.
DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combined square bowl
and lid embodying a first embodiment
of
my n ew design;
FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;
FIG. 4 is a left side view thereof;
FIG. 5 is a right side view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view
of
a combined square bowl
and lid embodying a second embodiment of my new design;
FIG. 7 is a front view thereof;
FIG.
8
is a rear view being thereof;
FIG. 9 is a left side view thereof;
FIG. 10 is a right side view thereof;
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view
of
a combined square
bowl and lid embodying a third embodiment of my new
design;
FIG. 12 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 13 is a rear view being thereof;
FIG. 14 is a left side view thereof; and,
FIG. 15 is a right side view thereof.
1 Claim, 9 Drawing Sheets
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 1 of 9
US D527,956 S
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u.s. Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 2 of 9
US D527,956 S
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u.s. Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 3 of 9
US D527,956 S
,
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u s
Patent
Sep.12,200
6
Sheet 4
of
9
US
D527 956
S
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u s
Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 5 of 9
US D527,956 S
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 6
of
9
US D527 956 S
~
a
"
.
Cb
~
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u s Patent
Sep.12,2006
Sheet 7 of 9
us D527,956 S
ase: : -cv- ocumen : - e : age o
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u s Patent
Sep.12 2006
Sheet
8 of 9
US D527 956 S
' 1 -.
~ ~
0")
~
.
-\'
~
1
k:
f
l,
, r
C\l
\ ~
.... .
.
~
~
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u.s. Patent
Sep.12,2006 Sheet 9 of 9
US D527,956 S
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111111 11111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111 11111111
USOOD527956Cl
(12)
EX
PARTE REEXAMINATION
CERTIFICATE (6498th)
United States Patent
(10)
Number:
US D527,956
Cl
Doliwa
(45)
Certificate Issued: Oct. 28,2008
(54)
COMBINED SQUARE BOWL AND LID
(75)
Inventor: Wojciech Doliwa, Sayreville, NJ (US)
(73) Assignee: PNC
Bank, National
Association, East
Brunswick, NJ (US)
Reexamination
Request:
No.
90/010,077,
Dec.
12,2007
Reexamination
Certificate
for:
Patent No.: Des. 527,956
Issued: Sep. 12, 2006
Appl. No.: 291243,360
Filed: Noy. 23, 2005
Related
U.S.
Application
Data
(62)
Division
of
application No.
291205,921,
filed
on
May 21,
2004, now abandoned.
(51)
LOC
(8)
CI.
.................................................... 07-01
(52) U.S.
Ct
....................... : .................
07/629;
09/432
(58) Field
of
Classification
Search
...................
07/629,
(56)
07/601,602,538,542; 09/42 4-426; 2201782
See application file for complete search history.
References
Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
0272,595
S 2/1984
Chase
et
aI.
0475,620
S
612003
Chenetal.
0475,621
S
6/2003
Buchalski et aI.
0495,928
S
9/2004
Laib
0505,596
S
5/2005
Tucker et al.
OTHER
PUBLICATIONS
"FreshpackTM all set to
go"
Brochure, Sabert Corporation,
dated 1997, and filed with a Statcmcnt
of
Usc in U.S. Trade
mark Application Serial No. 75/407,501 on Aug. 2, 1999.
Primary Examiner- Robert
M. Spear
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US D527 956
l
Page 2
EX PARTE
REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
AS
A RESULT
OF
REEXAMINATION, IT HAS
BEEN
DETERMINED THAT:
The patentability of the single design claim is confirmed.
The
ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and
lid, as shown and described.
>I< >I< >I< >I< >IS9J
2.716
L",j
\ -===i===)
NOTES,
L
Oil
nU'DSIOI
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9 [ t l i ~ ~ A ~ ~ ~ M I T ( ) ~ S FOR
P O S h l ~ (
SlACKIfl(; EFFECT
I '
I I-
I.'"
1 2.116
1 3,523
----I
1 7 . ~ 6 ~
. 0%
''''' """CC
~ . J
/
~
NOTES:
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