FORT COLLINS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OtterBox®, maker of premium protective cases for mobile technology, has won another battle in the ongoing war against counterfeiters. A U.S. District Court judge recently issued a permanent injunction against a New York-based company and ordered it to pay OtterBox $2 million related to the sale of counterfeit cases.
The court found that S & P Trading Inc. violated provisions of the Lanham Act when it purchased and then sold no less than 146,025 counterfeit cases, infringing on federally registered trademarks for which OtterBox owns all rights. This is the latest judgment in a series of actions OtterBox has taken to protect its brand.
Counterfeit consumer product goods continue to be a drain on the global economy. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized counterfeit goods totaling $1.26 billion in retail value.* Like so many other premium consumer brands, OtterBox aggressively fights against intellectual property theft.
“OtterBox was built on bringing our customers innovative, first-to-market products,” said OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas. “A lot of design, engineering and testing goes into each of our custom protective cases, which is why we take a hard line with companies creating and selling fake cases, as well as those infringing on our patents and trademarks. Counterfeit products damage our reputation for delivering premium quality products because many consumers aren’t aware that they purchased a fake OtterBox. If a deal seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.”
OtterBox currently has more than 110 trademark registrations worldwide with several pending. Additionally, the company holds more than 190 patents in the U.S., placing it among the top innovators in the wireless communications space just between Apple Inc. and BlackBerry. In 2012, OtterBox, in collaboration with CBP, confiscated more than 118,000 counterfeit items and was awarded judgments and settlements totaling nearly $11 million.
About OtterBox:
Starting with something as simple as a box, OtterBox® was founded in 1998 with a line of indestructible dryboxes. Today, OtterBox is the No. 1-selling case for smartphones** and offers an extensive lineup of premium screen protectors and other device-enhancing accessories that complement various consumer lifestyles.
OtterBox’s strong relationships with the leading mobile device manufacturers, retailers and wireless services providers delivers unrivaled value, world-class customer service and a continued commitment to premium product quality.
OtterBox has been a five-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 ranking of fastest growing private companies in the U.S., recognized by Forbes Magazine on “America’s Most Promising Companies” and is a repeat honoree in the Great Place to Work® annual survey published by FORTUNE Magazine. The family-owned, private company has global headquarters in Fort Collins, Colo. and offices in Boston, San Diego, Cork, Ireland and Hong Kong.
For more information, visit otterbox.com. We’ve Got Technology Covered.
Note:
* Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection “Intellectual Property Rights Fiscal Year 2012 Seizure Statistics” http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/trade/fy_2012_final_stats.ctt/fy_2012_final_stats.pdf
** Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service/November 2010-December 2012
©2013 Otter Products, LLC. All rights reserved. OtterBox and all OtterBox logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of Otter Products, LLC. All other logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
OtterBox
Jordan Vater, 970-980-2011
jordan.vater@otterbox.com