by LEHI, Utah — The United States International Trade Commission has issued cease and desist orders against four Chinese companies that prohibits them from importing and selling into the U.S. certain pillows, seat cushions and other components that infringed on patents owned by bedding manufacturer Purple Innovation.
The action stems from an investigation that Purple requested in August 2022 alleging unfair trade practices of Chinese manufacturers regarding the sale of these products into the U.S. market. It specifically alleged violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 that infringed on its 837 patent.
The initial complaint named dozens of respondents in the case, most of which are located in China. The Nov. 13, 2023, cease and desist order names four individual companies also listed in the initial complaint: Hangzhou Lydia Sports Goods Co. of Zhejiang, China; Dongguan Jingrui Silicone Technology Co. of Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Leadfar Industry Co. of Guangdong, China; and Foshan Dirani Design Furniture of Guangdong, China.
The cease and desist order prohibits these companies from importing, selling, marketing, advertising, offering for sale, or aiding other companies in the importation or sale after importation of various pillows, seat cushions along with related components and packaging that infringe on the 837 patent.
According to the ITC, the provisions of the order apply to each company, or respondent, as well as any of its principals, shareholders, officers, directors, employees, agents, distributors and related business entities.
Attempts to reach Purple for comment on the order were unsuccessful so it was unclear whether the company is pursuing similar action against other manufacturers named as respondents in the initial complaint.
