DCT

8:17-cv-01420

Oakley Inc v. Frankshop Inc

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Key Events
Complaint
complaint

I. Executive Summary and Procedural Information

  • Parties & Counsel:
  • Case Identification: 8:17-cv-01420, C.D. Cal., 08/17/2017
  • Venue Allegations: Venue is alleged to be proper as Defendant is a California corporation with its principal place of business within the district, has committed alleged acts of infringement within the district, and maintains a regular and established place of business in the district.
  • Core Dispute: Plaintiffs allege that Defendant’s sale of various sunglass models infringes ten of Oakley's U.S. design patents covering ornamental designs for eyewear and eyewear components.
  • Technical Context: The case is situated in the competitive fashion eyewear market, where distinctive and recognizable ornamental designs contribute significantly to brand identity and commercial value.
  • Key Procedural History: The complaint does not mention any prior litigation, inter partes review proceedings, or licensing history related to the asserted patents.

Case Timeline

Date Event
2005-03-09 U.S. Patent D548,269 Priority Date
2005-04-13 U.S. Patent D547,794 Priority Date
2005-04-13 U.S. Patent D554,689 Priority Date
2005-04-13 U.S. Patent D556,818 Priority Date
2006-07-14 U.S. Patent D557,325 Priority Date
2006-07-14 U.S. Patent D557,326 Priority Date
2007-07-31 U.S. Patent D547,794 Issued
2007-08-07 U.S. Patent D548,269 Issued
2007-11-06 U.S. Patent D554,689 Issued
2007-12-04 U.S. Patent D556,818 Issued
2007-12-11 U.S. Patent D557,325 Issued
2007-12-11 U.S. Patent D557,326 Issued
2008-01-22 U.S. Patent D572,745 Priority Date
2008-07-08 U.S. Patent D572,745 Issued
2011-05-06 U.S. Patent D649,579 Priority Date
2011-10-05 U.S. Patent D659,180 Priority Date
2011-11-29 U.S. Patent D649,579 Issued
2012-05-08 U.S. Patent D659,180 Issued
2012-05-31 U.S. Patent D674,434 Priority Date
2013-01-15 U.S. Patent D674,434 Issued
2017-08-17 Complaint Filing Date

II. Technology and Patent(s)-in-Suit Analysis

U.S. Design Patent No. D557,325 - "Eyeglass Front," Issued December 11, 2007

The Invention Explained

  • Problem Addressed: The patent is directed to creating a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture, specifically an eyeglass front (Compl. ¶10; D'325 Patent, Abstract).
  • The Patented Solution: The patent claims the specific ornamental design for an eyeglass front as depicted in its figures (D'325 Patent, Figs. 1–6). The design features a contoured, wraparound frame with two large, generally rectangular lens openings connected by a sculpted nose bridge, creating a distinctive overall visual impression.
  • Technical Importance: The complaint alleges that Oakley's distinctive designs are "instantly and universally recognized" and are a core component of the brand's value and market position (Compl. ¶8).

Key Claims at a Glance

  • The patent contains a single claim for "The ornamental design for an eyeglass front, as shown and described" (D'325 Patent, col. 2:49-51).

U.S. Design Patent No. D557,326 - "Eyeglass Components," Issued December 11, 2007

The Invention Explained

  • Problem Addressed: The patent seeks to protect a new, original, and ornamental design for eyeglass components, which appear to be earstems or temples (Compl. ¶11; D'326 Patent, Title).
  • The Patented Solution: The patent claims the ornamental design for two separate eyeglass components as illustrated in the drawings (D'326 Patent, Figs. 1–6). The design features sculpted earstems with a distinct profile, curvature, and surface details that are intended to integrate with an eyeglass front.
  • Technical Importance: As with the D'325 patent, the complaint frames the value of this design in its contribution to Oakley's "innovative technology and distinctive style" (Compl. ¶8).

Key Claims at a Glance

  • The patent asserts a single claim for "The ornamental design for eyeglass components, as shown and described" (D'326 Patent, col. 2:47-49).

U.S. Design Patent No. D572,745 - "Eyeglass Frame," Issued July 8, 2008

  • Technology Synopsis: This patent claims the ornamental design for a complete eyeglass frame, combining a wraparound front with integrated earstems (D'745 Patent, Figs. 1-6). The design is characterized by its continuous, flowing lines and the specific shape of the lenses and temple arms (Compl. ¶12).
  • Asserted Claims: The single claim for "The ornamental design for an eyeglass frame, as shown and described" (D'745 Patent, col. 2:50-52).
  • Accused Features: The overall ornamental design of Defendant's "PL911A" model sunglasses is alleged to infringe (Compl. ¶47).

U.S. Design Patent No. D548,269 - "Eyeglasses," Issued August 7, 2007

  • Technology Synopsis: This patent claims the ornamental design for a pair of eyeglasses featuring a bold, full-frame design with thick temple arms and a distinct angular profile (D'269 Patent, Figs. 1-6). The design's aesthetic is defined by its substantial and robust appearance (Compl. ¶13).
  • Asserted Claims: The single claim for "The ornamental design for an eyeglasses, as shown and described" (D'269 Patent, col. 2:49-51).
  • Accused Features: The overall ornamental designs of Defendant's "6585" and "9068" model sunglasses are alleged to infringe (Compl. ¶49).

U.S. Design Patent No. D674,434 - "Eyeglass Components," Issued January 15, 2013

  • Technology Synopsis: This patent claims the ornamental design for eyeglass components, specifically appearing to be rimless lens attachments and earstems (D'434 Patent, Figs. 1-6). The claimed design features are the specific shapes of the nose pads, hinges, and slender temple arms, while the lenses are shown in broken lines and are not part of the claimed design (Compl. ¶14).
  • Asserted Claims: The single claim for "The ornamental design for eyeglass components, as shown and described" (D'434 Patent, col. 2:48-50).
  • Accused Features: The ornamental design of the components of Defendant's "TR-90" model sunglasses is alleged to infringe (Compl. ¶51).

U.S. Design Patent No. D659,180 - "Eyeglass," Issued May 8, 2012

  • Technology Synopsis: The patent claims the ornamental design for a single-piece shield-style eyeglass (D'180 Patent, Figs. 1-6). The design is characterized by its aerodynamic, semi-rimless appearance and the particular contours of the lens and integrated temple arms (Compl. ¶15).
  • Asserted Claims: The single claim for "The ornamental design for an eyeglass, as shown and described" (D'180 Patent, col. 2:52-54).
  • Accused Features: The overall ornamental design of Defendant's "PL7706" model sung