Blue Water Investment v. Whitmor - Complaint

8/9/2019 Blue Water Investment v. Whitmor - Complaint

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

Blue Water Investment LLC,

Plaintiff,

v.

Whitmor, Inc., and

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Defendants.

Civil Action No. : ___________

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff, Blue Water Investment LLC, for its Complaint against the defendants,

Whitmor, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., alleges as follows:

PARTIES

1. Plaintiff, Blue Water Investment LLC, is a Massachusetts limited liability

company having a principal place of business at 62 South Main Street, Sharon, MA

Case 1:15-cv-12152 Document 1 Filed 06/03/15 Page 1 of 7


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JURISDICTION AND VENUE

4. This action arises under the patent laws of the United States, 35 U.S.C. §1 et seq.

5. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this dispute pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§§1331 and 1338(a).

6. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the defendants based upon theirs

contacts with this forum, including, the sale of infringing products within the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

7. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§1391(b) and

1400(b).

GENERAL FACTS

8. Plaintiff is the sole owner of U.S. Patent No. D487,695 that issued on March 23,

2004 (the “‘695 Patent”). A true copy of the ‘695 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

The ‘695 Patent is valid and enforceable.



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11. A picture of the First Product and it packaging purchased from one of defendant

Wal-Mart’s retail stores located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is attached

hereto as Exhibit C.

12. On information and belief, defendant Wal-Mart is using, offering for sale, and/or

selling a second set of bed risers (Item No. 6511-3349-BLK) supplied by defendant

Whitmor to consumers throughout the United States, including the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts (the “Second Product”).

13. A picture of the Second Product and it packaging purchased from defendant Wal-

mart’s online store (www.walmart.com) and picked up at one of defendant Wal-Mart’s

retail stores located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is attached hereto as

Exhibit D.

14. Upon information and belief, defendant Whitmor imports the Second Product

from China and is using, offering for sale, and/or selling the Second Product to defendant

Wal-Mart and other retailers who sell to consumers throughout the United States,



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18. Defendant Wal-Mart’s infringement of the ‘695 Patent has caused and continues

to cause plaintiff monetary damage.

COUNT II - PATENT INFRINGEMENT - U.S. PATENT NO. D493,096

19. Plaintiff re-alleges each and every allegation set forth in Paragraphs 1-18

as if fully alleged herein.

20. Defendant Wal-Mart’s manufacture, import, use, offer for sale, and/or sale of the

First Product infringes the ‘096 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. §271.


to cause plaintiff irreparable harm.



COUNT III - PATENT INFRINGEMENT - U.S. PATENT NO. D487,695



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COUNT IV - PATENT INFRINGEMENT - U.S. PATENT NO. D487,695

27. Plaintiff re-alleges each and every allegation set forth in Paragraphs 1-26 as if

fully alleged herein.

28. Defendant Wal-Mart’s manufacture, use, offer for sale, and/or sale of the Second

Product infringes the ‘695 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. §271.





COUNT V - PATENT INFRINGEMENT - U.S. PATENT NO. D493,096



32. Defendant Whitmor’s manufacture, import, use, offer for sale, and/or sale of the



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COUNT VI - PATENT INFRINGEMENT - U.S. PATENT NO. D493,096



36. Defendant Wal-Mart’s manufacture, import, use, offer for sale, and/or sale of the

Second Product infringes the ‘096 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. §271.





REQUESTED RELIEF

Plaintiff requests this Court to enter judgment in favor of it and against the

defendants on the above counts and grant it the following relief:

1. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §283, an Order that defendants be preliminary



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4. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §289, that defendants pay plaintiff an amount of

damages equal to the profits realized by defendants’ sales of the First and/or Second

Product as may be proved at trial;

5. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §284, that plaintiff be awarded interest on damages;

6. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §284, that plaintiff be awarded its costs; and

7. Such other relief as this Court deems equitable and just.

REQUEST FOR A JURY

Plaintiff hereby requests a jury on all issues triable by a jury.

Respectfully submitted,

Blue Water Investment LLC

By its Attorney,



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JS 44 (Rev. 12/12) CIVIL COVER SHEETThe JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as

provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff County of Residence of First Listed Defendant

(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)

NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OFTHE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)

II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff (For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)

’ 1 U.S. Government ’ 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF

Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State ’ 1 ’ 1 Incorporated or Principal Place ’ 4 ’ 4

of Business In This State

’ 2 U.S. Government ’ 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State ’ 2 ’ 2 Incorporated and Principal Place ’ 5 ’ 5

Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State

Citizen or Subject of a ’ 3 ’ 3 Foreign Nation ’ 6 ’ 6

Foreign Country

IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only)CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES

’ 110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY ’ 625 Drug Related Seizure ’ 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 ’ 375 False Claims Act

’ 120 Marine ’ 310 Airplane ’ 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 ’ 423 Withdrawal ’ 400 State Reapportionment

’ 130 Miller Act ’ 315 Airplane Product Product Liability ’ 690 Other 28 USC 157 ’ 410 Antitrust

’ 140 Negotiable Instrument Liability ’ 367 Health Care/ ’ 430 Banks and Banking

’ 150 Recovery of Overpayment ’ 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS ’ 450 Commerce & Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury ’ 820 Copyrights ’ 460 Deportation

’ 151 Medicare Act ’ 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liabi lity ’ 830 Patent ’ 470 Racketeer Influenced and

’ 152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability ’ 368 Asbestos Personal ’ 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations

Student Loans ’ 340 Marine Injury Product ’ 480 Consumer Credit

(Excludes Veterans) ’ 345 Marine Product Liability LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY ’ 490 Cable/Sat TV’ 153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY ’ 710 Fair Labor Standards ’ 861 HIA (1395ff) ’ 850 Securities/Commodities/

of Veteran’s Benefits ’ 350 Motor Vehicle ’ 370 Other Fraud Act ’ 862 Black Lung (923) Exchange

’ 160 Stockholders’ Suits ’ 355 Motor Vehicle ’ 371 Truth in Lending ’ 720 Labor/Management ’ 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) ’ 890 Other Statutory Actions

’ 190 Other Contract Product Liability ’ 380 Other Personal Relations ’ 864 SSID Title XVI ’ 891 Agricultural Acts

’ 195 Contract Product Liability ’ 360 Other Personal Property Damage ’ 740 Railway Labor Act ’ 865 RSI (405(g)) ’ 893 Environmental Matters

’ 196 Franchise Injury ’ 385 Property Damage ’ 751 Family and Medical ’ 895 Freedom of Information

Case 1:15-cv-12152 Document 1-1 Filed 06/03/15 Page 1 of 2

Blue Water Investment LLC

Steven N. Fox, Esq.62 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067781-821-8920

Whitmor, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.


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JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 12/12)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44

Authority For Civil Cover Sheet

The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as

required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is

required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:

I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, useonly the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and

then the official, giving both name and title.

(b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at thetime of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land

condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)

(c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting

in this section "(see attachment)".

II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.

United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.

United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.

Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment

to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes

precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.

Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the

citizenship of the different parties must be checked.

(See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity

cases.)

III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark thissection for each principal party.

IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If the nature of suit cannot be determined, be sure the cause of action, in Section VI below, issufficient to enable the deputy clerk or the statistical clerk(s) in the Administrative Office to determine the nature of suit. If the cause fits more than

one nature of suit, select the most definitive.

V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the six boxes.Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.

Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.

When the petition for removal is granted check this box



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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

1. Title of case (name of first party on each side only)

2. Category in which the case belongs based upon the numbered nature of suit code listed on the civil cover sheet. (See local

rule 40.1(a)(1)).

I. 410, 441, 470, 535, 830*, 891, 893, 895, R.23, REGARDLESS OF NATURE OF SUIT.

II. 110, 130, 140, 160, 190, 196, 230, 240, 290,320,362, 370, 371, 380, 430, 440, 442, 443, 445, 446, 448, 710, 720,740, 790, 820*, 840*, 850, 870, 871.

III. 120, 150, 151, 152, 153, 195, 210, 220, 245, 310, 315, 330, 340, 345, 350, 355, 360, 365, 367, 368, 375, 385, 400,422, 423, 450, 460, 462, 463, 465, 480, 490, 510, 530, 540, 550, 555, 625, 690, 751, 791, 861-865, 890, 896, 899,

950.

*Also complete AO 120 or AO 121. for patent, trademark or copyrigh t cases.

3. Title and number, if any, of related cases. (See local rule 40.1(g)). If more than one prior related case has been filed in thisdistri ct please indicate the title and number of the first fil ed case in this court.

4. Has a prior action between the same parties and based on the same claim ever been filed in this court?

YES 9 NO 9

5. Does the complaint in this case question the constitutionality of an act of congress affecting the public interest? (See 28 USC§2403)

YES 9 NO 9 If so, is the U.S.A. or an officer, agent or employee of the U.S. a party?

YES 9 NO 9

6. Is this case required to be heard and determined by a district court of three judges pursuant to title 28 USC §2284?

YES 9 NO 9

7 Do all of the parties in this action excluding governmental agencies of the united states and the Commonwealth of


Blue Water Investment LLC v. Whitmor, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.


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EXHIBIT A: U.S. Patent No. D487,695



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1 2 ) United

States

Design Patent 1 0 )

P a t e n t N 0 . :

S i t t i g

USO0D487695S

US

D 4 8 7 , 6 9 5

s

4 5 )

Date o f P a t e n t :

* *

Mar. 2 3 ,

2004

5 4 )

BED ELEVATOR

7 6 )

I n v e n t o r : K e n n e t h W.

S i t t i g ,

2 5 K e e g a n L a . ,

S B ,

G r e e n ? e l d , MA U S )

0 1 3 0 1

( * * ) T e r m :

1 4 Y e a r s

2 1 )

A p p l .

N o . : 2 9 / 1 8 3 , 0 8 1

2 2 ) F i l e d : J u n .

5 ,

2 0 0 3

51) LOC 7 ) Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08-05

52) US. Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . D8/374

( 5 8 ) Field

of

Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/374; D6/374;

5 / 5 0 9 1 ;

2 4 8 / 1 8 8 2 ,

1 8 8 . 8 ,

3 4 6 . 0 1

5 6 )

R e f e r e n c e s

C i t e d

U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS

D336 843 S * 6/1993 Hurst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . D8/374

D404 992 S * 2/1999

S i t t i g

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

D8/374

* c i t e d by

examiner

P r i m a r y E x a m i n e r — H o l l y B a y n h a m

( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y , A g e n t ,

o r F i r m — S t e v e n N . F o x , E s q .

5 7 ) CLAIM

The

o r n a m e n t a l d e s i g n

o f

a

“bed e l e v a t o r , ” a s shoWn

a n d

d e s c r i b e d .

DESCRIPTION

F I G . 1

i s a

p e r s p e c t i v e

vieW

o f

t h e p r e s e n t

i n v e n t i o n ;

F I G .

2 i s a

t o p

p l a n

vieW

o f t h e p r e s e n t

i n v e n t i o n ;

F I G .

3 i s a f r o n t

e l e v a t i o n vieW

o f

t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n

Which i s a l s o

i l l u s t r a t i v e o f

a l l s i d e e l e v a t i o n and r e a r

e l e v a t i o n v i e W s o f t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n ; a n d ,

F I G .

4 i s a bottom p l a n

vieW

o f t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .

The b r o k e n

l i n e s

shoWn

i n t h e d r a w i n g s

i l l u s t r a t e

e n v i r o n

ment

a n d

d o

n o t

f o r m

a n y

p a r t

o f

t h e

c l a i m e d

d e s i g n .

1

C l a i m ,

1

Drawing S h e e t

EXHIBIT ACase 1:15-cv-12152 Document 1-3 Filed 06/03/15 Page 2 of 3


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U.S. Patent

M a r .

2 3 , 2 0 0 4

US D 4 8 7 , 6 9 5

S



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EXHIBIT B: U.S. Patent No. D493,096



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USO0D493096S1

1 2 ) United States Design Patent 1 0 ) P a t e n t N 0 . : US

D 4 9 3 , 0 9 6

S

S i t t i g 4 5 ) D a t e o f P a t e n t : * * J u l .

2 0 ,

2004

54)

BED ELEV TOR D423,340 S

* 4/2000

S i t t i g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D8/374

( 7 6 ) I n v e n t o r : Kenneth W. S i t t i g , 2 5 Keegan

L a . , *

C i t e d b y

e x a m i n e r

S B ’ G r e e n ? e l d ’

MA

U s )

0 1 3 0 1 P r i m a r y

E x a m i n e r — H o l l y B a y n h a m

( * * ) T e r m ;

1 4

Y e a r s ( 7 4 )

A t t o r n e y ,

A g e n t ,

o r

F i r m — S t e v e n

N . F o x , E s q .

5 7 ) CLAIM

2 1 )

A p p l .

N o . : 2 9 / 1 8 3 , 0 8 4

The o r n a m e n t a l

d e s i g n

o f

a “bed e l e v a t o r , ”

a s

shoWn

a n d

J u n .

5 , d e s c r i b e d .

( 5 1 ) LOC 7 ) c 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08-05 DESCRIPTION

52)

US. Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

D8/374

( 5 8 ) F i e l d o f Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D8/374;

248/1882,

F I G . 1

i s

a p e r s p e c t i v e vieW o f

t h e

p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n ;

2 4 8 / 3 4 6 1 1 ;

5 / 6 5 8 ,

6 6 3

F I G . 2 i s a t o p p l a n v i e W o f t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i on ;

FIG. 3 i s a

f r o n t e l e v a t i o n vieW

of

t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n

( 5 6 )

R e f e r e n c e s

C l t e d Which i s

a l s o

i l l u s t r a t i v e o f

a l l

s i d e e l e v a t i o n a n d

r e a r

U

PATENT DOCUMENTS e l e v a t i o n v i e W s o f

t h e

p r e s e n t

i n v e n t i o n ;

a n d ,

F I G .

4 i s a bottom p l a n

vieW

o f

t h e

p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .

3,028,703

* 4/ 196 2

M atter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248/1883

D336 843 S

6 1993

Hurst

. . . . . .

D 4 0 4 , 9 9 2

S

2 / 1 9 9 9 S i t t i g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. D8/374 1

C l a i m ,

1

Drawing

S h e e t

EXHIBIT B Case 1:15-cv-12152 Document 1-4 Filed 06/03/15 Page 2 of 3


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U.S.

Patent J u l .

2 0 , 2 0 0 4 US D 4 9 3 , 0 9 6

5


C 1 15 12152 D t 1 5 Fil d 06/03/15 P 1 f 2


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EXHIBIT C: Picture of Wal-Mart Bed Riser and Packaging


Case1:15-cv-12152 Document1-5Fi led06 /03 /15 Page2of2


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EXHIBIT C

Case 1:15 cv 12152 Document 1 6 Filed 06/03/15 Page 1 of 2


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EXHIBIT D: Picture of Whitmor Bed Riser and Packaging


EXHIBIT D

Case1:15-cv-12152 Document1-6Fi led06 /03 /15 Page2of2


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EXHIBIT D

Documents

Blue Water Investment v. Whitmor - Complaint