YETI Coolers, LLC, Ex. 2002
`RTIC Coolers, LLC and Velky Brands, LLC v. YETI Coolers, LLC
`IPR2016-01207
`
`1
`
`

`
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
`
`STATEMENT BY APPLICANT
`
`( Not for submission under 37 CFR 1.99)
`
`Application Number
`
`14538552
`
`Filing Date
`
`2014-11-11
`
`First Named Inventor
`Roy Joseph Seiders
`Art Unit
`| 3723
`Examiner Name
`N. M. Eloshway
`Attorney Docket Number
`|008117.00088\US
`
`YETI Coolers, LLC v. Nash Manufacturing, |nc., Case No. 1:15—cv—00464-RP (W.D. Tex), Doc. No. 19, filed September
`14, 2015.
`
`2015.
`
`YETI Coolers, LLC v. RTIC Coolers, LLC, Case No. 1:15—cv—00597-RP (W.D. Tex), Doc. No. 17, filed September 9,
`
`If you wish to add additional non-patent literature document citation information please click the Add button Add
`EXAMINER SIGNATURE
`
`*EXAM|NER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP 609. Draw line through a
`citation if not in conformance and not considered.
`Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.
`
`2 Enter office that issued the document, by the two-letter code (WIPO
`1 See Kind Codes of USPTO Patent Documents at www.USPTO.GOV or MPEP 901.04.
`Standard ST.3). 3 For Japanese patent documents, the indication of the year of the reign of the Emperor must precede the serial number of the patent document.
`4 Kind of document by the appropriate symbols as indicated on the document under WIPO Standard ST.16 if possible.
`5 Applicant is to place a check mark here if
`English language translation is attached.
`
`EFS Web 2.1.17
`
`2
`
`

`
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
`
`STATEMENT BY APPLICANT
`_
`_
`( Not for submission under 37 CFR 1.99)
`
`Application Number
`
`14538552
`
`Filing Date
`
`2014-11-11
`
`First Named Inventor
`Roy Joseph Seiders
`Art Unit
`| 3723
`Examiner Name
`N. M. Eloshway
`Attorney Docket Number
`| 008117.00088\US
`
`CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
`
`Please see 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 to make the appropriate se|ection(s):
`
`|:I
`
`That each item of information contained in the information disclosure statement was first cited in any communication
`from a foreign patent office in a counterpart foreign application not more than three months prior to the filing of the
`information disclosure statement. See 37 CFR 1.97(e)(1).
`
`OR
`
`That no item of information contained in the information disclosure statement was cited in a communication from a
`
`foreign patent office in a counterpart foreign application, and, to the knowledge of the person signing the certification
`after making reasonable inquiry, no item of information contained in the information disclosure statement was known to
`any individual designated in 37 CFR 1.56(c) more than three months prior to the filing of the information disclosure
`statement. See 37 CFR 1.97(e)(2).
`
`|:| See attached certification statement.
`
`The fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17 (p) has been submitted herewith.
`
`|:| A certification statement is not submitted herewith.
`
`SIGNATURE
`
`A signature of the applicant or representative is required in accordance with CFR 1.33, 10.18. Please see CFR 1.4(d) for the
`form of the signature.
`
`Signature
`NamelPrint
`
`51331
`
`Date WW-MM-00>
`Registration Number
`
`2°15-1°-07
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the
`public which is to file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR
`1.14. This collection is estimated to take 1 hour to complete, including gathering, preparing and submitting the completed
`application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you
`require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S.
`Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND
`FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria,
`VA 22313-1450.
`
`EFS Web 2.1.17
`
`3
`
`

`
`Privacy Act Statement
`
`The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with your submission of the
`attached form related to a patent application or patent. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of the Act, please be advised
`that:
`(1) the general authority for the collection of this information is 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the information solicited
`is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which the information is used by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is to
`process and/or examine your submission related to a patent application or patent.
`If you do not furnish the requested
`information, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office may not be able to process and/or examine your submission, which may
`result in termination of proceedings or abandonment of the application or expiration of the patent.
`
`The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`
`1.
`
`The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of Information Act
`(5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). Records from this system of records may be disclosed to the
`Department of Justice to determine whether the Freedom of Information Act requires disclosure of these record s.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence to a
`court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of settlement
`negotiations.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting a
`request involving an individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has requested assistance from the
`Member with respect to the subject matter of the record.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having need for
`the information in order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to comply with the
`requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
`
`A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of records
`may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization, pursuant
`to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to another federal agency for purposes of
`National Security review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the Administrator, General Services, or
`his/her designee, during an inspection of records conducted by GSA as part of that agency's responsibility to
`recommend improvements in records management practices and programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and
`2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the GSA regulations governing inspection of records for this
`purpose, and any other relevant (i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such disclosure shall not be used to make
`determinations about individuals.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication of
`the application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a record
`may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37 CFR 1.14, as a routine use, to the public if the record was filed in
`an application which became abandoned or in which the proceedings were terminated and which application is
`referenced by either a published application, an application open to public inspections or an issued patent.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law
`enforcement agency, if the USPTO becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
`
`EFS Web 2.1.17
`
`4
`
`

`
`
`
`THE LNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`FDR “Ft-EEEZ. WEEiS’t‘tiRfN E)tS"E‘RiC'i“ 03?-‘ TEXAS
`
`AUSTIN DWESION
`
`Y}?;T1C00i;ERrS, t...t..C,
`
`V.
`
`Plairatifi‘
`
`ash I\/RTANUFA CTURIN G, INC .
`
`Defendant
`
`D(ID?OD<'/)'3C!‘f2C!_’,Y2Cz;’J2?O><‘1)'?
`
`C/~\.SE NO. 1:15—eV—€)€)464—RP
`
`D EFENDA.N7E"S ANS‘WER T8 ?§§.AENTE FF’S CGM FLAENT
`
`A.FE<‘1?RI‘viA'i'EV’E
`
`AND C0hUNTERCLAi1‘v:E
`
`CGMES NOW Defertdarrt Nash ?‘vfta1’1u_fact1;ring,
`
`the. (“Defendant”) and file this its
`
`answer‘, atfirrrrative defenses, and COU.i‘t‘t€T°C§&il”H to the complaint for damages atiti ihjuhctive
`
`relief filed hy Ptairrtiff YE'i"I Coolers, LLC ('“‘Plair1tiff”), and in support thereof would state as
`
`follows:
`
`ANS'WER
`
`The toltmvirtg 11 urnhers correspond to theparagrap}'1 hurhhers in Ptaintit‘t“s Corrtpiairttx,
`
`1.
`
`Defet'1da.t3t Eacks Emowiedrge or information strffieiertt to form a heiief about the
`
`truth of the averrnents contained in Paragraph It of Plair1tiff’s complaint and therefore, they are
`
`denied.
`
`2.
`
`Defendarnt admits
`
`the avermehts cohtaioedt
`
`in paragraph
`
`of P}ra,ir1tirt’F s
`
`Cornpiairit.
`
`3 .
`
`Defetrdatrt admits
`
`the avermehts contained in paragraph
`
`of Plairrtiff’s
`
`Corraplarint.
`
`4.
`
`Defenriartit adrnits
`
`the aVemrerrt.9 contained in par‘egr'aph 4
`
`of Plairrrtiff”
`
`Cornpiaitm
`
`5
`
`

`
`
`
`5.
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the averinents contained in pa.ra.gra.ph 5 of Pla.iiitiff s
`
`Cernpiaint.
`
`6.
`
`Defendant dees not dispute that this Court may exercise persenal jurisdiction over
`
`Nash. Except as se admitted, Defendant denies the remaining averrnents Contained in paragraph
`
`6 of Plaintiff’ Complaint.
`
`7.
`
`Defendant admits
`
`the averrnehts
`
`eenrtained.
`
`in paragraph 7 of Pi.a,i11ii.l? s
`
`Cenrpiaint.
`
`8.
`
`Defendant lacks knowledge er inforrnatien sufficient te farm a belief aheut the
`
`truth ef the averrnents enntained in the first sentence ef pt,t1”£E,g1”£E,pl1 8 of Plaintiff’ eeniplaint and
`
`therefore, they are denied. Defendant denies the remainder of the avernients in naragralph 8 of
`
`Plaintiff’ s Cenrpiaint.
`
`9.
`
`Defendant laelts knewledge or information sufficient to ferrn a belief about the
`
`truth ef the avennents contained in paragraph 9 of Plaintiffs e0inpla.int and therefore, they are
`
`denied.
`
`l0.
`
`Defendant laeltis lenewledge or inferrnatieh sufficient to ferrn a belief about the
`
`truth (‘if the avernients contained in paragraph it) ef Plaintiffs Complaint and therefere, they are
`
`denied.
`
`l l .
`
`De’ endant denies the avern'ients eentained in the first sentence of paragraph ll of
`
`Plaintiff’ s Cernplaint. Defendant lacks krinwledge er inferrnatinn sufficient tn ferin a belief
`
`about the truth ef the averrnents contained in the second sentence ef paragrapli ll of Piaintiff’s
`
`complaint and therefnre, they are denied.
`
`l2.
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the averrnents eentained in paragraph l2 of Pl.a,iriti’ft“' s
`
`Cenip iaint.
`
`6
`
`

`
`
`
`
`
`13.
`
`Defendant lae1<;s lennw edge or infnrniatinn sufficient to ferrn at helief about the
`
`truth ef the avernients contained in paragrapli 13 of Plaintiffs eetnplaint and therefnre, they are
`
`denied. Defei'3dai'3t admits the avetinents eentained in footnote 2 tn paragraph 13 (if 1’1aihtiff’s
`
`Cenip laint.
`
`1-4.
`
`Defendant lacks l<n0wledge or infonnatinn sufficient to ferin a belief ahnnt the
`
`truth of the avertnents enntained in paragranli l4 01‘Pl,3.1l11l’li’l‘jS enniplaint and therefore, they are
`
`denied.
`
`15.
`
`Defendant denies the averrnents eeritained in the first sentence nf pai‘agi‘ap1i 15 of
`
`Plaintiffs Cotnplaint.
`
`Defeiitlant lacks l‘;1'lflVVlCC1,gC er infennatinn suffieie.nt tn fnnn a belief
`
`ahnnt the truth efthe avemients contained in the second sentence nfpa,raigraphi 15 of Pl£ll,1’l1Tl,l'l"’.‘§a
`
`eetnplaint and therefete, they are denied.
`
`1 6.
`
`Defendant denies the
`
`avennents
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`paragraph 16
`
`Of
`
`Plaintiff’
`
`Cninplaiiit.
`'1-1
`!.
`1:
`
`Cnnip laint.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`El‘/f31”IT1©1ll'..‘§
`
`enntained
`
`in
`
`paragraph 1 7
`
`of
`
`Plaiiitifl“ s
`
`18.
`
`Defentlant
`
`8.VC1'lT1€l’llS
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragiapli
`
`1 8
`
`l’laintiff”s
`
`Ceinplaint.
`
`19°
`
`De’ endant
`
`denies
`
`averrn en ts
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph 19
`
`01’
`
`Plainti ff’ s
`
`Ceinplaiiit.
`
`20.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`avernients
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`paragraph 20
`
`of
`
`Plaintiff’s
`
`Cninplaiiit.
`
`21.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`El‘/f31”IT1©1ll'..‘§
`
`enntained
`
`in
`
`paragraph 21
`
`of
`
`Plaiiitifl“ s
`
`Cnnip laint.
`
`Lu
`
`7
`
`

`
`
`
`22..
`
`Defendant denies the avennents eentained in parragraph 22 0f Plaintiff’
`
`Cernptaint.
`
`23.
`
`Defendaiit admits that YEN never authorized Defendant tn seii, offer to Seth
`
`distribute, or advertise any product. Except
`
`so adrnitted, Defendant denies the remaining
`
`avennents eentained in paragraph 23 nf Plaintiffs Cornpiaint.
`
`24.
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the avermentsg eentained in paragraph 24 of Pi3.‘i1]ti’ff“/S
`
`Cernpiaint.
`
`25.
`
`Defendant admits the avennents contained in paragraph 25 ef P1aintiff’;~;
`
`CG11‘ipia,iI1‘(.
`
`Ceinpfaint_
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the avertnents contained in paragraph 26 of PEaintiff’a
`
`27.
`
`Defendant admits the avennents centained in first and second sentences ef
`
`paragraph 27 of Plaintiff’ Complaint. Defendant eontinues tn inarket, offer fer sale, and sell its
`
`products, which do not infringe any ef PEaintift"s rights. Exce.pi: as so admitted, the remaining
`
`averrnents in Plaintiff’ S Cernpiaint are denied.
`
`28.
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the averments contained in pa1‘agi‘aph
`
`ef Plaiirtiffk;
`
`CG11‘ipia,iI1‘(.
`
`29¢
`
`Deeridant re~a1lege.§ and ineerperates by reference its responses to PEaintiff’a
`
`avennents.
`
`30.
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the averrnents centained in paragraph 30 of Piaintiff’s
`
`Cernpfaint.
`
`31.
`
`Defendant denies
`
`the avermentsg eentained in pa,ratgraph 33 of Pi,3.i1]tifFS
`
`Cnnrpiaint.
`
`4
`
`8
`
`

`
`
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`avennents
`
`eentained
`
`in paragraph
`
`3
`
`2
`
`0f Plaintiff’
`
`Complaint.
`
`3 3 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€‘YI‘fl6l’lf.S
`
`eentainetl
`
`in paragraph
`
`v\
`.5
`
`3
`
`ef Plaiiitiffs
`
`Cnnip laint.
`
`3 4.
`
`Dfjffsllilallt
`
`denies
`
`avenneiits
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`ef Plaintiffs
`
`Ceinplainti
`
`3 :3 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`ff: e
`
`averrn en ts
`
`centained
`
`in paragraph
`
`.\
`
`La.)
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`3 6.
`
`Defendant
`
`i"e—alleges and ineerpera.tes by reference its respenses to Platintiffs
`
`avennents.
`
`3 7.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€‘YI‘fl6l’lf.S
`
`eentainetl
`
`Lu‘
`
`-42
`
`l’laiiiti'lfs
`
`Cnnip laint.
`
`in paragraph
`
`2
`
`3 8 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`avennents
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`Ceinplainti
`
`3 9'.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`tli e
`
`av erni en ts
`
`centained
`
`in paragraph
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`40.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`eentained
`
`in paragraph
`
`4
`
`0
`
`of Plaintiff’s
`
`Complaint.
`
`41 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`eentainetl
`
`in paragraph
`
`41
`
`ef Plaiiitiff 5
`
`Cnnip laint.
`
`42.
`
`Dfjffsllilallt
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`avenneiits
`
`contained
`
`in paragraph
`
`N
`
`cf Plaintiffs
`
`Ceinplainti
`
`U1
`
`9
`
`

`
`u
`
`
`.v.. \.
`
`Defendant
`
`re—a1ieges and inenrpera.tes by reference its respenses to Pia.intiff’s
`
`avennents.
`
`44.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€‘YI‘fl6Yif.S
`
`eentained
`
`in
`
`paragi'aph
`
`44
`
`ef E’iaiiitiff’ s
`
`Cenip iaint.
`
`45 .
`
`Defeiadaiit
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`Cempiaint.
`
`46.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`tn e
`
`av erni en ts
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`46
`
`of Piaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`4 7.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`eentained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`47
`
`of Plaintiff” s
`
`Cntnpiaint.
`
`4 8 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€‘YI‘fl6Yif.S
`
`eentained
`
`in
`
`paragi'aph
`
`48
`
`ef E’iaiiitiff’ s
`
`Cenip iaint.
`
`49.
`
`Defeiadaiit
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`Cempiaint.
`
`5 G.
`
`Defendant
`
`reeiieges and ineerperates by reference its responses to Piaintiffls
`
`avennents.
`
`5 1 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the averinents eentained in pairagraph 51
`
`of Plaintiff” s
`
`Cntnpiaint.
`
`5 2 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies the averrnents contained in paragi'aph 52
`
`ef Piaiiitiff’ s
`
`Cenip iaint.
`
`5 3 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies the averrnents contained in paragraph 53
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`Cempiaint.
`
`0*»
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`
`
`
`
`Defemlant
`
`denies
`
`the. averinents cnntained in pairagraph 54 of Plaintiffs
`
`Cnrnplaint.
`
`5 {J1
`
`Defendant
`
`re~a}leges and iiicnrpnrates by reference its respenses tn l’laiiitiff’s
`
`averrnents.
`
`5 6.
`
`Defeinlaiit
`
`denies
`
`averinents
`
`eontaiine<.i
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`56
`
`nf l’laintiff°s
`
`Crnnplaint
`
`5 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the avernnents
`
`centainecl
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`Li: ‘Q
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`5 8 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies the avennents
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`pairagraph
`
`‘J: 00
`
`ef Plaintiff’
`
`Cnrnplaint.
`
`5 9.
`
`Defennlant
`
`denies
`
`the averinents
`
`eentainetl
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`59
`
`ef l’laiiitif*f’s
`
`C(‘)1’l‘1p laint.
`
`60.
`
`Defeinlaiit
`
`denies
`
`averinents
`
`eontaiine<.i
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`60
`
`nf l’laintiff°s
`
`Crnnplaint
`
`6] .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the averrnents
`
`centainecl
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`6l
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`621.
`
`Defemlant
`
`re—alleges and inenrperanss by reference. its respenses to Plaintiff’s
`
`avennenta.
`
`63 .
`
`Defennlant
`
`denies
`
`the averinents eentainetl
`
`in paragraph 63 ef l’laiiitif*f’s
`
`Cfifllp laint.
`
`ii-4.
`
`Defeinlaiit
`
`denies
`
`the averinents
`
`(.TOl11:allf1tL?(.l
`
`in paragraph 64 of l’laintiff’s
`
`Cmnp lain ix,
`
`‘I1
`
`11
`
`

`
`
`
`65 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`eentained in pairagntph (L5
`
`of Plaintiff” s
`
`Cntnpiaint.
`
`66.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€YI‘fl6Yif.S
`
`eentained in paragraph 66
`
`ef E’laiiiti'ff” s
`
`Cenxp faint.
`
`67.
`
`Defeiadain
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`(.?O111Cai1’lC(.i
`
`in paragraph 67
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`Cemptaint;
`
`6 8 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`tn e
`
`ElV131‘1’l'3€f11 ts
`
`centained in paragraph 68
`
`of Piaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`69.
`
`Defendant
`
`re—a1ieges and inenrpera.tes by refereiiee. its respenses to Pla.intiff’s
`
`avennents.
`
`70.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€YI‘fl6Yif.S
`
`eentained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`«.1 <3
`
`ef E’laiiiti'ff” s
`
`Cenxp faint.
`
`averinents
`
`in
`
`7 1 .
`
`Defeiadain
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`contained
`
`paragraph
`
`71
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`Cemptaint;
`
`1'2.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`tn e
`
`ElV131‘1’l'3€f11 ts
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`of Piaintiffs
`
`Complaint.
`
`73.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`eentained
`
`in
`
`patragraph
`
`of Plaintiff” s
`
`Cntnpiaint.
`
`74.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€YI‘fl6Yif.S
`
`eentained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`ef E’laiiiti'ff” s
`
`Cenxp faint.
`
`.....
`7 ‘Ti
`
`Cemptaint;
`
`Defeiadain
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`
`
`
`76.
`
`Defendant
`
`re—a1ieges and inenrpera.tes by reference. its respenses to Pia.intiff’s
`
`avennents.
`
`77.
`
`Defeiiiiaiit
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`3.V€‘YI‘fl6Yif.S
`
`enntained
`
`in
`
`paragi'aph
`
`-4-.i
`
`ef E’iaiiitiff’ S
`
`Cnnip iaint.
`
`7 8 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`averrnents
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`ef Plaintiff’ s
`
`Cernpiaint;
`
`79'.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`tn e
`
`av erni en ts
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`of Piaintiff’s
`
`Complaint.
`
`8 0.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`averinents
`
`centained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`80
`
`of Plaintiffs
`
`Cnrnpiaint.
`
`81 .
`
`Defendant
`
`denies
`
`the
`
`EiV€Y)”1’16Yif.S
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragi'apn
`
`8}
`
`ef Piaiiitiff’ s
`
`Cnnip iaint.
`
`82.
`
`Dfiffilliiallt
`
`denies
`
`averinents
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`paragraph
`
`ef Plaintiffs
`
`Cernpiaint;
`
`83 .
`
`Defendant
`
`reniieges and ineerperates by reference its responses to Piaintiffls
`
`avennents.
`
`84-.
`
`Defendant
`
`denies the averrnents eentained in pairagraph 84
`
`0f Plaintiff’
`
`Cnrnpiaint.
`
`Cfifllp iaint.
`
`Defeiiiiaiit
`
`denies
`
`the aeverments enntained in paragi'aph 8:3
`
`ef E’iaiiitif*f’s
`
`8 6.
`
`Dfiffilliiallt
`
`denies
`
`the averinents contained in paragraph 86
`
`ef Plaintiffs
`
`Cmnp iain {-6
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`
`
`
`87.
`
`Defendant denies the. avernients eentained in patragraph 87 0f Plaintiff’
`
`Cernpiaint.
`
`Cenip iaint.
`
`Defeiidetiit denies
`
`the asverments contained in paragiaph 88 cf i’iaiiitiff’s
`
`89.
`
`Defeiidaiit denies
`
`the averrneiits
`
`£:O11ta'ifi€£i
`
`in paragi*a,pii 89 cf Plaintiffs
`
`Cernpiaint;
`
`90.
`
`No answer is necessary.
`
`91.
`
`Defeiidaiit denies that Plaintiff is entitled to any of the relief requested.
`
`By way of further answer, if nece.ssairy, Defendant asserts the. following aftirniative
`
`defenrses:
`
`First Ai‘Eirin:ttive Esefense
`
`i’iaiiitiff’s eiainis are i§Eii‘1'6(i, in whole er in part due tn Piaintift“‘s faiiure to state a claim
`
`upen which relief may be granted under
`
`R. CW. P.
`
`i2(iE:>)(6).
`
`Seeend Affirnmtive Defense
`
`Pi,a.i11tifFS eiaiins are barred in wheie er in part because Plaintiffs trade dress
`
`generic.
`
`Third Affirmative Defense
`
`i’iaiiiti'fFs ciainis are i§2t1'1‘€(i,
`
`in wheie er in part due to the iaei: of any distinctiveness in
`
`Plaintiff’
`
`trade dress
`
`Fenrtii Affirmative Befense
`
`Plaintiff” s eiaiins are barredt in wheie er in part be.ea.use Piaiiititfs trade dress has not
`
`acquired second nieariing.
`
`ii}
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`
`
`
`Fifth Affirtnative Defense
`
`Piaintitt"s eiairns are barred in whole or in part because Plaintiffs trade dress is
`
`functional.
`
`Sixth Afiirrnative Befense
`
`E’l2tiiitif*f"s eiairns are harred in whole or in part by a presurnption of Each of etinfusioit
`
`arising froin side-hy—side use. Defendant prorninentiy dispiays its word mark on its cooler, thus
`
`negating any opportunity for eonsnnier confusion. Moreover, Deiendatnfs word. mark and
`
`Piainrtiiffs word rnaris: are not eorrfusirigiy simiiarz
`
`Seventh Aftirniative Defense
`
`E’iaiiitiff’s eiairns are harred in whoie or in part ‘because there is no iikeiihood of
`
`confusion between Piairitiff’ s trade dress and Defen£ia11t’s trade dress or Defendant’s Protiuets.
`
`Eigttth Affirinative flefense
`
`Plaintiff” s eiairns are barred in whole or in part because there has been no unfair
`
`eoinpetition on the part of Defendant.
`
`Ninth At‘i‘h*tnative Defense
`
`Piaintiff’s claim are barred, in whole or in part because Defendant does not infringe or
`
`dilute any trade dress or tradeniark owned byP1aintiff.
`
`Tenth At°fh"ntative Defense
`
`Nash has not iitfriitged, and does not infringe, either iiteraiiy or under the doctrine of
`
`equivalents, any Valid, enforceable, asserted eiairn of U. S. Patent Nos. D7125/'2’.(} (the '““72()
`
`Patent”), B71172} {the “‘72i Pattent”), D712;722 (the “"722 Patent”), or D’7i2,’723 (the “"723
`
`Patent”), whether iiireetiy, inrdireetiy, iU,(iiVid.tta.iiy,jOi,1’1‘§Ti_y, COT(},'EI‘,ii_§E,li{_‘$1',iify’, anti/or by iniineetrrent,
`
`it
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`
`
`
`Eleventh Aiiirinative iiefense
`
`Each asserted claim of the ‘72t}, ‘7'2l, ‘"/22, and ‘723 Patents is invalid for failure ate
`
`enniply with one or inere eftlie requirernents at‘ United States Code, Title 35, including witlinut
`
`liniitatitni, 35 U.S.C.
`
`lfll, lt)2, lt)3, and H2, and the rules, regulations, and laws pertaining
`
`tliereto.
`
`Twelfth Aiiirmative Beiense
`
`Yliill is estepped, based en statements, representatiens, and atlniissiens made (luring
`
`prosecution of the patent application resulting in the ‘72t), ‘72l, ‘722, and ‘723 Patents, frnni
`
`asserting any iiiterpretatioiis of any valid, eiifereeble claims of the ‘”/'20, ‘72l, ‘722,i and "723
`
`Patents that would be bread enough tn cover any accused pretlnet al eged ate inlringe. the ‘723,
`
`‘7fZl , ‘722, and ‘723 Patents, either literally er by application nltlie dnetrine nl‘eqniv'aleiits.
`
`Thirteentii Affirmative ilieiense
`
`YETl’s atteniptecl enforeenient nfthe ‘”/'20, "7221, ‘722, and ‘723 Patents against Nash is
`
`barred by 0116 or more 9f the equitable doctrines of laehes, estnippel, aequiieseenee, waiver, and
`
`tnielean hands.
`
`ifienrteeiitii Aiiirinative iieiense
`
`YETl is net entitled to iiijuiietive relief
`
`it has, at a niiiiirrnnn, n0 irreparable injury and
`
`an adequate renietly at law for the. alleged infringe.rnenit.
`
`Fiiteentii Al'iirinative iieiense
`
`Nash has engaged in all relevant activities in good faith, tlierehy preclucling YE’l”l train
`
`reeevering its reasniiable attorneys fees and/er costs under 35 U.S.C
`
`O.’}‘D
`
`285.
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`
`
`
`Sixteenth Affirmative Befense
`
`Nash has engaged in all relevant atetivities in good faitl'1, therelvy precluding YETE from
`
`recovering increased damages under
`
`l,l.S.(I. § 284.
`
`Seventeenth Aflirntative Defense
`
`Should Nash he found to infringe any Valid, enforceable claim of the ‘YZQ, ‘72l, "722,
`
`and ‘723 l3‘a.tents, or YETl’s trarle dress or tradernarks, saeh inl’ringernent was not willful.
`
`Eighteenth At"l'irtnatlye Befense
`
`Should Nash he found to infringe any Valid, enlzorceable claim of the “720, ‘72l, "722,
`
`and ‘723 Fatents, or YETl°s trade dress or lT’<l.¢;‘l,()1’1'lf,tl"l{S, such inlringernent was not willful.
`
`Nineteenth Al’l'irrnatlve Defendant
`
`l’laiiitiff"s claims are barred in whole or in part lay inequitable eonolnct. Specifically,
`
`Plaintiff falsely represented under oath to the United States Patent ancl Traclernarls: 0f"ce that no
`
`other person has the right to use asserterl trade tlress in coinlneree, either in the identical lonn or
`
`in such near resemblance as to he likely, when used on or in connection with the goorls/services
`
`of such other person, to cause confusion or rnistaltie, or to deceive, when in fact the evidence will
`
`show Plaintiff l-:i1’lt3W' there was widespread use of the design.
`
`CQUN RCELAE M
`
`For its countencornplaint against YETl Coolers, LLC (“YETl”) Nash Manufacturing,
`
`the. (“Nash”) asserts the following:
`
`A. Snrlsrtlction and Venue
`
`l.
`
`The Court has subject matter jnrlscliction over all counts of this counterclaim
`
`pursuam to 35 U.S.C‘. § 27l ez‘
`
`and 28 U.S.C. §§ l33l, l338, l367, and 22lll—22(l2.
`
`4.
`
`This Court has personal juriscliction over YETl by Virtue ol’YE;Tl’s tiling ol’ the
`
`Complaint against Nash in this Crntrt.
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`
`
`
`~‘\ .Le '
`_
`,.-\~.\
`_.
`3
`s.t.:.:‘v:
`
`{_ o\»“\
`_
`.\
`.-\
`_.».
`..L'-\‘- Q: 5.“)
`
`3.
`
`Venue is proper in this Ceurt under 28 U.S.C.
`
`i391 and 1-4G0(b).
`
`3. Parties
`
`4.
`
`Cnunter—Det‘endant YET} is a company nrganized and existing under the flaws of
`
`the State ef Delaware with a principal place of business at 53$} Southwest Par1<:way, Suite 2000,
`
`Austin, TX 78735.
`
`:7.
`
`C0ttfit€1'~Pia,i11ti.ff Nash is a Texas eerperatieti ergganized and existing under the
`
`iaws ef the State of Texas, having its prineipai piaee of business at 33:3 West Ripy Street, Fert
`
`Werth, TX 763 10.
`
`C. Statement at‘ Facts
`
`6.
`
`The ‘720 and ‘72i Pa.tents are related to .Apptiea.tie1'i Ne. 13/3€)4,739, which has a
`
`fiiing date nt‘ N0Vernbei' 28, 2011. The "722 and ‘723 Patents are reiated te Appiieatinn N0.
`
`13,/3()4,739, which has a filing date of Neveniber 28, Zfili and Appiieatien
`
`29/'479,07€S,
`
`which has a tiling date ef3a.nuary 10. 2914. While these applieatiens may not suppnrt the claims
`
`of the ‘72(3.
`
`‘T21,
`
`‘"722, and ‘723 Patents,
`
`the November 28, 2011 .tiii.tig date represents the
`
`eariiest pessibie prierity date for the ‘72(), "721, ‘722, and "723 Patents.
`
`7.
`
`Y'E’7E‘ E began niahing, selling, or offering to set} coolers inure than a year befere
`
`Neveniber 28. 2011.
`
`fllustratinii A below depicts a screen shut nf a. post to YETI’s Fa.eebuei<
`
`page on August 12, 299?}, pren'ietitig a center that was avaiiabie as of that date. Attaeiied as
`
`Exhibit 1 is a true and correct enpy ut‘YE"E‘E’s Faeebunk page with a pest dated August 32, 2()i)9.
`
`The claimed features of the ‘72t), ‘721, ‘722, and ‘723 Patents are Visible in Ilhistration A.
`
`14
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`
`8.
`
`YETE also protnoted its coolers cm Y0uTubc:
`
`for well QVf.’.1” a year i;>efm'e
`
`November 28, 2011.
`
`Ilhastrations 8-D depict SC1'€€fl
`
`shots 0?‘ at
`
`Ԥ('m.:T1.:bc3 video,, which was
`
`uploaded on March it 8, 2909 and entitied “YEH Coolers Custam Logo Casters.” Attached as
`
`Exhibit 2 is a trués and cem:.ct ccpy of several scnécsn shots ef the YouTube video uploadedt on
`
`’:\/iarch 18, 2039 and etttitlcd “YETI Coulers — Custom Logn Cooiszrs”
`
`(available at
`
`ittips://'wwwycutube.com/watch?V====DbMiC8u7E’_Y’, Viewed an Septe1*nbe1' 3, 2015).
`
`The
`
`.
`7
`x
`claimed features fifths ‘72()., V2} ‘722. and ‘C723 Pattzxlts are Visible in flltt;~;trati011s B-13.
`
`15
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`
`Illlustmtimz B
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`
`_ 7€E‘{1H£:s::>!e_e§s v t
`
`£»::.-its Lcgo. {meters
`
`9.
`
`in fact,
`
`it appears that YET} cooiers incorpcrating the claimed eierncsnts, 0?
`
`Qbvious Vaiimlts thereof, were avaiiabitz for sale at
`
`least
`
`catty as February 19, 2()t)9.
`
`fllustratien E depicts a. screw shut of an advettisement en alltacklccom as of February 19, 2069.
`
`Attached as Exitibit 3
`
`a true and correct copy of the 3.dV’€1’Ei,Sf.’.tI1€fl'E
`
`O11 a.Etta,ckie.cun'1 as of
`
`i?’eb1'ua1'y
`
`39,
`
`2009
`
`tfjaxrailabie
`
`at
`
` g_:g_,/'fis}1_c0GEershtm, Viewed an September
`
`2.015).
`
`21
`
`

`
`
`
`~:<«\‘~
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`he-dig‘ and iicé are
`in tssxits
`ef §F1:3<L3§€3‘?§3Z)f‘e
`’e.tié's ne;<t g;emez"r:m0r3 r:.o0ie.r. {Beer
`iae«re‘ter:ti:m, The
`amimai
`H emhined vntti a ire-e2:er~e,ueaii%3.° see!
`in
`i’}:i§§i1-§f}”£fI$8‘S"£ use
`anti
`harsh
`§§R0te~m<:2idec§
`:;:ne«g3ieee
`easing wtths.tam§5
`5
`:w§re.nm—er‘=t:~:.
`tm‘1s:w’atwea f8EE§iE:...*F8S‘ §m:§:.3s:€£e
`tntegrzeizeszt, ?'tE3‘2‘§-’~{§i.§‘§3r" 3'-Latehes am.
`.a§v:§ed~iz~;_.
`.se-:J§'«sste;3§3inQ
`h§nges.,
`tr“:
`aédiiien,
`ineometated rep-ewhandies
`0§3-S§§§3fn8f‘$~?t\a2'§<;§¥}<;‘¢ fa.et,, and recessed ieatvgzzmoé’ drain pings are sis-0 Yet
`z'i-gtrsai ~z¥ee§gs'».
`
`9.
`
`YETFS C00i§.’.1”S eiiibedyiiig the features claimed in the "720, "721, ".7225, and “.723
`
`Patients were sold more than (me. year befmte November 28, 26)} 1, the eatrliest pessibie priority
`
`date.
`
`if).
`
`Futthermere, the United States Patent and Ttadeiiiark Office has twice rejected
`
`YETFS application seeking trade dress rights in its {sealer design on grouiids the design is a nmi~
`
`distinctive and fllI1CUiOl”1Eii eoeieif design.
`
`in fact, the Office of the Deputy Cm*mni:§sie»iie1' of the
`
`United States Patent and Tradeinark Office noted that there is evidence of “widespread use ef the
`
`d.esign.”
`
`18
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`
`,.
`.,,-
`....\
`.-...
`.
`:
`\J\.
`..\ \“\
`\.~\-
`
`
`flaunt E
`
`Declaratory Relief Regarding Invalidity
`
`ll.
`
`Nash incorporates hy reference the allegations in paragraphs l through ll) of its
`
`counterclaim as though fully set forth herein.
`
`l2.
`
`On int‘orr,na.tion and heliet‘, YETE
`
`the owner of the "726, "72l., ‘"/'22, and “.723
`
`Patents.
`
`ll 3.
`
`YE'l'l asserts that Nash’s “SUB Z” coolers iliftilige the ‘720, ‘"721, ‘722, and ‘723
`
`Patents. YE"l"l’s iilfriilgeinent a.llegation,, therefore. directly implicates the lsusiness of Nash in
`
`this action.
`
`on the filing hy YET} of this suit and l\"ash.°s detenses, and actual controversy
`
`has arisen and now exists between the parties as to the invalitlity of the "723, “.721, "722, and
`
`‘723 Patents.
`
`lzl-.
`
`YETI sold, ottered for sale. advertised, marketed, and otherwise disclosed to the
`
`tpu.hlie the invention claimed in the ‘720, ‘72l , ‘722, and ‘723 Patents more than one year hefore
`
`l\l(}‘v’6l‘fll)€‘l” 28, 2€)l
`
`l, the earliest possible priority date of the “'7,”/it}, ‘“72l,
`
`‘ 22, and "723 Patents.
`
`The claims of the “720, “72l, ‘722, and ‘723 Patents are also invalid due to a functional design
`
`and for t‘a.ilu1"e to comply with the provisions of the Elatent Laws, 35 U.S.C.
`
`ltll. er saga.
`
`including but not limited.
`
`to 35 U.S.C..
`
`llll,
`
`l{l2,
`
`lllfil, and ll’/3.
`
`l3‘ursua.nt to the lederal
`
`declaratory judgineht act, 28 U.S.C 2201 et‘ seq. Nash requests a declaration by the Court that
`
`each asserted claim of the “72(), “72l, “722, and ‘723 Pateitts is invalid for failing to satisfy the
`
`conditions for patentahility specified in 35 U.S.C.
`
`ll)2(a)(l) and in 35 U.S.C. § llll, 62‘ sec_;.,
`
`including without l.l.'(lll'lEt'[lfJll, §§ llll, ll)’/3,
`
`lllfil and H2.
`
`l5.
`
`Nash is entitled to a declaratory judgment that the claims of the ‘72(), ‘72l, “.722,
`
`and "723 Patents are invalid.
`
`l9
`
`23
`
`23
`
`

`
`»‘
`u H‘
`~
`v‘+\
`\ \\\
`‘
`.-...
`.
`:
`\.~\-
`..x \+\
`\.:\.
`
`
`Declaratory Relief Regarding Noir—lnfringement
`
`Count E}
`
`l6.
`
`Nash incorporates ‘by reference the allegations in par'agraphs l through ll) of its
`
`counterclaim as though fully set forth herein.
`
`l7.
`
`Nash seeks a rieelaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C. § 220i and requests that the
`
`Court declare the rights and legal obligations of the parties. Ann aetua.l controversy has arisen and
`
`now exists hetween the parties as to the alleged infringeinent of the claims of the ‘720,
`
`"7,’/El,
`
`‘"/'22 and ".723 Patents.
`
`l8.
`
`Based on the filing by ‘(Ell of this suit and Nash”s defensesl, an actual
`
`Controversy
`
`arisen an Cl now exists between the parties
`
`to the on~inl'ringement of the ‘72l},
`
`‘72l , ‘722, and ‘733 Patents.
`
`tlfl.
`
`Pursuant to the ”e<:leral tleelaratory judgment act,
`
`U.S.C § 22{)l et seq. Nash
`
`requests a declaration by the Court that Nash has not infringed, antl does not infringe, any Valid,
`
`enforceable, asserted slain’: of the ‘T20, ‘"/Zl, ‘722, and ‘723 patent, whether directly, irrrdireetlry,
`
`ih<.liVid‘ually,, jointly, coritrlhutorily, ancl/or‘ hy inrlucenient.
`
`Count ill:
`
`Nan—lni‘ringernent of Trade Dress
`
`20.
`
`Nasli re-alleges each and every allegation set forth in paragraphs l through ll) of
`
`its eounterelairn as though fully set forth he