Wednesday, Aug 1, 2012    Text size: 

OTTAWA — In a declaration to the industry, the makers of We-Vibe said today that they will continue to seek legal redress against companies that imitate its patented C-shaped couples-worn massager.

"Standard Innovation will continue to pursue legal actions against those who Standard Innovation believe are infringing their valuable intellectual property, including patents on their distinguished products," said Standard Innovation Corp., the manufacturers of the We-Vibe family of sexual wellness products.

The Ottawa-based company made the announcement in a press release, pointing out that, contrary to rumors floating around the industry, it continues with a patent infringement suits against Lelo Inc. over two of its products — the Tiani and Mahana — both introduced in 2011.

Standard Innovation has accused Lelo of infringing on more than 60 claims of We-Vibe's U.S. Patent No. 7,931,605.

"Standard Innovation was prompted to issue this clarification in response to misleading information circulating concerning the status of actions it has taken to protect its valuable intellectual property rights, and in particular to protect their signature product, the We-Vibe, which is patented."

Standard Innovation said a trial, as part of an investigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission is imminent. It also said that legal actions for patent infringement have also been initiated in federal courts in Canada and in the U.S.

The rechargeable We-Vibe couples device entered the U.S. market in 2008 and has sold more than 2 million units, the company says.

Standard Innovation said it holds We-Vibe patents in the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Japan and China.