Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/210911837/Fontem-Ventures-et-al-v-CB-Distributors-et-al
Timestamp: 2017-10-19 21:16:25
Document Index: 272654707

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 101', '§ 271', '§ 1331', '§ 1391', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 271', '§ 284']

Fontem Ventures et. al. v. CB Distributors et. al. | Injunction | Lawsuit
Description: Official Complaint for Patent Infringement in Civil Action No. 2:14-cv-01649: Fontem Ventures B.V. et. al. v. CB Distributors, Inc. et. al. Filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of ...
Official Complaint for Patent Infringement in Civil Action No. 2:14-cv-01649: Fontem Ventures B.V. et. al. v. CB Distributors, Inc. et. al. Filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, no judge yet assigned. See http://news.priorsmart.com/-la3f for more info.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA FONTEM VENTURES B.V., a Netherlands company; and FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V., a Netherlands company, Plaintiffs, v. CB DISTRIBUTORS, INC., an Illinois corporation; DR DISTRIBUTORS, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company dba 21ST CENTURY SMOKE, LLC, and DOES 1-5, Inclusive, Defendants. Case No. CV14-1649 COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
111971-0003.0003/LEGAL29626680.1
CV14-1649
For its Complaint against Defendant CB DISTRIBUTORS, INC. and Defendant DR DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (together, “the Defendants”), Plaintiff Fontem Ventures B.V. (“Fontem Ventures”) and Plaintiff Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. (“Fontem Holdings”) allege as follows: JURISDICTION AND VENUE 1. This is a civil action for patent infringement arising under the patent
laws of the United States, 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, et seq., and in particular § 271. 2. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this patent infringement
action under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a). 3. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendants because they
solicit and conduct business in California, including the provision of goods over the Internet, derive revenue from goods sold in California and within this judicial district, and have committed acts of infringement in this judicial district. 4. Venue lies in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and
the laws of the Netherlands, with its principal place of business at 12th Floor, 101 Barbara Strozzilaan, 1083 HN Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 7. Plaintiffs Fontem Ventures and Fontem Holdings (together, “the
Plaintiffs”) are informed and believe that: Defendant CB DISTRIBUTORS, INC. (“CB”) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois, having its principal place of business at 2500 Kennedy Drive, Beloit,
Wisconsin, 53511, USA. CB is doing business in this judicial district related to the claims asserted in this Complaint. 8. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: Defendant DR
DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (“DR”), doing business as 21ST CENTURY SMOKE, LLC (“21ST CENTURY”), is a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois, having its principal place of business at 1634 Greenmount St., Rockford, Illinois, 61107-3105, USA. DR is doing business in this judicial district related to the claims asserted in this Complaint. 9. The true names and capacities, whether individual, corporate,
associate, or otherwise of defendants sued herein as DOES 1 through 5, inclusive, are unknown to the Plaintiffs at the present time, and the Plaintiffs therefore sue said Defendants by such fictitious names. The Plaintiffs, after obtaining leave of court, if necessary, will amend this Complaint to show such true names and capacities when the same have been ascertained. FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION (Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,365,742) 10. The Plaintiffs incorporate by reference the allegations contained in
paragraphs 1-9 above. 11. Plaintiff Fontem Holdings is the owner of the entire right, title, and
interest in and to United States Patent No. 8,365,742 (“the ’742 Patent”) and Plaintiff Fontem Ventures is the exclusive licensee of the ’742 Patent. The ’742 Patent was duly and legally issued by the United States Patent Office on February 5, 2013 and is valid, subsisting, and in full force and effect. A copy of the ’742 Patent is attached to the Complaint as Exhibit A. 12. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have had
knowledge of the ’742 Patent, and of the Plaintiffs’ rights therein, at least as of February 13, 2014. On that date, a Joint Status Report containing an assignment document identifying Plaintiff Fontem Holdings as the owner of the ’742 Patent
was filed in a related case.1 The Joint Status Report was reviewed and signed by the Defendants’ counsel. The Defendants shall have additional knowledge of the ’742 Patent as of the date of service for the present Complaint. 13. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
directly infringed the ’742 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by, themselves and/or through their agents, unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette products embodying one or more of the inventions claimed in the ’742 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette products that directly infringe the ’742 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Electronic Cigarettes as found in Electronic Cigarette Kits such as the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Super Kit Box (“Super Kit”), the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit Flip Top Box (“Express Kit - Flip Top”), and the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit (“Express Kit”); (2) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; (3) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries; (4) 21st Century Smoke Soft Tip Disposable Electronic Cigarettes; and (5) 21st Century Flavored Mist Disposable Electronic Cigarettes. Such products infringe at least claims 2 and 3 of the ’742 Patent. ////
See Joint Status Report filed February 13, 2014 (Dkt. No. 63, Exh. A) in Ruyan Investment Holdings Limited v. Sottera, Inc., Case No. CV 12-05454 GAF (FFMx) (C.D. Cal.), which is consolidated for purposes of discovery with Case Nos. CV 12-05455 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05456 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05462 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05466 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05468 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05472 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05477 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05482 GAF (FFMx), and CV 12-06268 GAF (FFMx).
The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
contributed to the infringement of the ’742 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(c) by, themselves and/or through their agents, contributing to the direct infringement of the ’742 Patent by their customers by unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette components having no substantially non-infringing use, which, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’742 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette components that have no substantial noninfringing uses and that contribute to the direct infringement of the ’742 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges (“21st Century E-Cig Cartridges”) for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; and (2) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries (“21st Century E-Cig Batteries”). 15. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: Having knowledge of the
’742 Patent, the Defendants have been aware that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’742 Patent. The Defendants state on their website that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges are “[c]ompatible with all rechargeable 21st Century Smoke batteries” and “are designed for use with the 21st Century Smoke Express or Super Kit.”2 The Defendants also instruct users to “[s]crew new cartridge/atomizer onto battery” and “[i]f battery has an atomizer already, [to] remove it then screw new See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/Express-Refill-Cartridge-3Pack-Regular-1-6-p/38-115r.htm (last visited March 5, 2014).
cartridge/atomizer onto battery.”3 The Defendants also state on their website that “[t]he Universal Battery is a rechargeable battery that works with all 21st Century Smoke atomizers, cartridges with atomizers (cartomizers) and chargers” and “can be used as a backup or replacement for all 21st Century Smoke Kits.”4 Moreover, according to the Defendants’ website, “[o]nce the components are put together, the 21st Century Smoke electronic cigarette physically resembles a traditional cigarette in both width and length.”5 As such, the Defendants know that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries that are sold separately from their Electronic Cigarette Kits have no substantial non-infringing uses other than to provide users with the ability to assemble and use an electronic cigarette that infringes at least claims 2 and 3 of the ’742 Patent, and therefore that they are especially made or adapted for use in infringement of the ’742 Patent. 16. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts of the
Defendants, the Plaintiffs have suffered, and are entitled to, monetary damages in an amount not yet determined. The Plaintiffs are also entitled to their costs of suit and interest. 17. The Defendants’ continuing infringement has inflicted and, unless
restrained by this court, will continue to inflict great and irreparable harm upon the Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. The Plaintiffs are entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining the Defendants from engaging in further acts of infringement. //// ////
See, e.g., “Express Refill Cartridge 3 Pack Instructions,” found at http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/v/vspfiles/images/38-115R.pdf (last visited March45, 2014). See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/21st-Century-SmokeUniversal-Battery-p/38-401.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 5 See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/How-21st-Century-ECigarettes-Work-s/1822.htm (last visited March 5, 2014).
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION (Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,375,957) The Plaintiffs incorporate by reference the allegations contained in
paragraphs 1-9 above. 19. Fontem Holdings is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest in
and to United States Patent No. 8,375,957 (“the ’957 Patent”) and Fontem Ventures is the exclusive licensee of the ’957 Patent. The ’957 Patent was duly and legally issued by the United States Patent Office on February 19, 2013 and is valid, subsisting, and in full force and effect. A copy of the ’957 Patent is attached to the Complaint as Exhibit B. 20. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have had
knowledge of the ’957 Patent, and of the Plaintiffs’ rights therein, at least as of February 13, 2014. On that date, a Joint Status Report containing an assignment document identifying Plaintiff Fontem Holdings as the owner of the ’957 Patent was filed in a related case.6 The Joint Status Report was reviewed and signed by the Defendants’ counsel. The Defendants shall have additional knowledge of the ’957 Patent as of the date of service for the present Complaint. 21. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
directly infringed the ’957 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by, themselves and/or through their agents, unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette products embodying one or more of the inventions claimed in the ’957 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to
do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette products that directly infringe the ’957 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Electronic Cigarettes as found in Electronic Cigarette Kits such as the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Super Kit Box (“Super Kit”), the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit Flip Top Box (“Express Kit - Flip Top”), and the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit (“Express Kit”); (2) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; and (3) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries. Such products infringe at least claims 1, 10, and 23 of the ’957 Patent. 22. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
contributed to the infringement of the ’957 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(c) by, themselves and/or through their agents, contributing to the direct infringement of the ’957 Patent by their customers by unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette components having no substantially non-infringing use, which, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’957 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette components that have no substantial noninfringing uses and that contribute to the direct infringement of the ’957 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges (“21st Century E-Cig Cartridges”) for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; and (2) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries (“21st Century E-Cig Batteries”).
The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: Having knowledge of the
’957 Patent, the Defendants have been aware that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’957 Patent. The Defendants state on their website that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges are “[c]ompatible with all rechargeable 21st Century Smoke batteries” and “are designed for use with the 21st Century Smoke Express or Super Kit.”7 The Defendants also instruct users to “[s]crew new cartridge/atomizer onto battery” and “[i]f battery has an atomizer already, [to] remove it then screw new cartridge/atomizer onto battery.”8 The Defendants also state on their website that “[t]he Universal Battery is a rechargeable battery that works with all 21st Century Smoke atomizers, cartridges with atomizers (cartomizers) and chargers” and “can be used as a backup or replacement for all 21st Century Smoke Kits.”9 Moreover, according to the Defendants’ website, “[o]nce the components are put together, the 21st Century Smoke electronic cigarette physically resembles a traditional cigarette in both width and length.”10 As such, the Defendants know that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries that are sold separately from their Electronic Cigarette Kits have no substantial non-infringing uses other than to provide users with the ability to assemble and use an electronic cigarette that infringes at least claims 1, 10, and 23 of the ’957 Patent, and therefore that they are especially made or adapted for use in infringement of the ’957 Patent.
See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/Express-Refill-Cartridge-3Pack-Regular-1-6-p/38-115r.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 8 See, e.g., “Express Refill Cartridge 3 Pack Instructions,” found at http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/v/vspfiles/images/38-115R.pdf (last visited March95, 2014). See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/21st-Century-SmokeUniversal-Battery-p/38-401.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 10 See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/How-21st-Century-ECigarettes-Work-s/1822.htm (last visited March 5, 2014).
As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts of the
Defendants, the Plaintiffs have suffered, and are entitled to, monetary damages in an amount not yet determined. The Plaintiffs are also entitled to their costs of suit and interest. 25. The Defendants’ continuing infringement has inflicted and, unless
restrained by this court, will continue to inflict great and irreparable harm upon the Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. The Plaintiffs are entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining the Defendants from engaging in further acts of infringement. THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION (Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,393,331) 26. The Plaintiffs incorporate by reference the allegations contained in
paragraphs 1-9 above. 27. Fontem Holdings is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest in
and to United States Patent No. 8,393,331 (“the ’331 Patent”) and Fontem Ventures is the exclusive licensee of the ’331 Patent. The ’331 Patent was duly and legally issued by the United States Patent Office on March 12, 2013 and is valid, subsisting, and in full force and effect. A copy of the ’331 Patent is attached to the Complaint as Exhibit C. 28. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have had
knowledge of the ’331 Patent, and of the Plaintiffs’ rights therein, at least as of February 13, 2014. On that date, a Joint Status Report containing an assignment document identifying Plaintiff Fontem Holdings as the owner of the ’331 Patent was filed in a related case.11 The Joint Status Report was reviewed and signed by
See Joint Status Report filed February 13, 2014 (Dkt. No. 63, Exh. A) in Ruyan Investment Holdings Limited v. Sottera, Inc., Case No. CV 12-05454 GAF (FFMx) (C.D. Cal.), which is consolidated for purposes of discovery with Case Nos. CV 12-05455 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05456 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05462 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05466 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05468 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05472
the Defendants’ counsel. The Defendants shall have additional knowledge of the ’331 Patent as of the date of service for the present Complaint. 29. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
directly infringed the ’331 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by, themselves and/or through their agents, unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette products embodying one or more of the inventions claimed in the ’331 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette products that directly infringe the ’331 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Electronic Cigarettes as found in Electronic Cigarette Kits such as the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Super Kit Box (“Super Kit”), the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit Flip Top Box (“Express Kit - Flip Top”), and the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit (“Express Kit”); (2) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; (3) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries; (4) 21st Century Smoke Soft Tip Disposable Electronic Cigarettes; and (5) 21st Century Flavored Mist Disposable Electronic Cigarettes. Such products infringe at least claims 1 and 2 of the ’331 Patent. 30. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
contributed to the infringement of the ’331 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(c) by, themselves and/or through their agents, contributing to the direct infringement of the ’331 Patent by their customers by unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05477 GAF (FFMx), CV 12-05482 GAF (FFMx), and CV 12-06268 GAF (FFMx).
components having no substantially non-infringing use, which, when purchased and/or used by its customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’331 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette components that have no substantial noninfringing uses and that contribute to the direct infringement of the ’331 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges (“21st Century E-Cig Cartridges”) for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; and (2) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries (“21st Century E-Cig Batteries”). 31. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: Having knowledge of the
’331 Patent, the Defendants have been aware that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’331 Patent. The Defendants state on their website that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges are “[c]ompatible with all rechargeable 21st Century Smoke batteries” and “are designed for use with the 21st Century Smoke Express or Super Kit.”12 The Defendants also instruct users to “[s]crew new cartridge/atomizer onto battery” and “[i]f battery has an atomizer already, [to] remove it then screw new cartridge/atomizer onto battery.”13 The Defendants also state on their website that “[t]he Universal Battery is a rechargeable battery that works with all 21st Century Smoke atomizers, cartridges with atomizers (cartomizers) and chargers” and “can
See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/Express-Refill-Cartridge-3Pack-Regular-1-6-p/38-115r.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 13 See, e.g., “Express Refill Cartridge 3 Pack Instructions,” found at http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/v/vspfiles/images/38-115R.pdf (last visited March 5, 2014).
be used as a backup or replacement for all 21st Century Smoke Kits.”14 Moreover, according to the Defendants’ website, “[o]nce the components are put together, the 21st Century Smoke electronic cigarette physically resembles a traditional cigarette in both width and length.”15 As such, the Defendants know that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries that are sold separately from their Electronic Cigarette Kits have no substantial non-infringing uses other than to provide users with the ability to assemble and use an electronic cigarette that infringes at least at least claims 1 and 2 of the ’331 Patent, and therefore that they are especially made or adapted for use in infringement of the ’331 Patent. 32. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts of the
Defendants, the Plaintiffs have suffered, and are entitled to, monetary damages in an amount not yet determined. The Plaintiffs are also entitled to their costs of suit and interest. 33. The Defendants’ continuing infringement has inflicted and, unless
restrained by this court, will continue to inflict great and irreparable harm upon the Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. The Plaintiffs are entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining the Defendants from engaging in further acts of infringement. FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION (Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,490,628) 34. The Plaintiffs incorporate by reference the allegations contained in
paragraphs 1-9 above. 35. Fontem Holdings is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest in
and to United States Patent No. 8,490,628 (“the ’628 Patent”) and Fontem Ventures is the exclusive licensee of the ’628 Patent. The ’628 Patent was duly and legally See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/21st-Century-SmokeUniversal-Battery-p/38-401.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 15 See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/How-21st-Century-ECigarettes-Work-s/1822.htm (last visited March 5, 2014).
issued by the United States Patent Office on July 23, 2013 and is valid, subsisting, and in full force and effect. A copy of the ’628 Patent is attached to the Complaint as Exhibit D. 36. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have had
knowledge of the ’628 Patent, and of the Plaintiffs’ rights therein, at least as of February 13, 2014. On that date, a Joint Status Report containing an assignment document identifying Plaintiff Fontem Holdings as the owner of the ’628 Patent was filed in a related case.16 The Joint Status Report was reviewed and signed by the Defendants’ counsel. The Defendants shall have additional knowledge of the ’628 Patent as of the date of service for the present Complaint. 37. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
directly infringed the ’628 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by, themselves and/or through their agents, unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette products embodying one or more of the inventions claimed in the ’628 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette products that directly infringe the ’628 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Electronic Cigarettes as found in Electronic Cigarette Kits such as the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Super Kit Box (“Super Kit”), the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit Flip Top Box (“Express Kit - Flip Top”), and the 21st Century Smoke Electronic Cigarette Express Kit (“Express Kit”); (2) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette
Cartridges for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; (3) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries; (4) 21st Century Smoke Soft Tip Disposable Electronic Cigarettes; and (5) 21st Century Flavored Mist Disposable Electronic Cigarettes. Such products infringe at least claims 1, 7, and 8 of the ’628 Patent. 38. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: The Defendants have
contributed to the infringement of the ’628 Patent in violation of at least 35 U.S.C. § 271(c) by, themselves and/or through their agents, contributing to the direct infringement of the ’628 Patent by their customers by unlawfully and wrongfully making, using, importing, offering to sell, and/or selling electronic cigarette components having no substantially non-infringing use, which, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’628 Patent, within and/or from the United States without permission or license from the Plaintiffs, and will continue to do so unless enjoined by this Court. Examples of electronic cigarette components that have no substantial noninfringing uses and that contribute to the direct infringement of the ’628 Patent include, but are not limited to, (1) 21st Century Smoke Express Refill Electronic Cigarette Cartridges (“21st Century E-Cig Cartridges”) for use with rechargeable 21st Century Smoke Batteries purchased separately or as part of a Super Kit, Express Kit - Flip Top, or Express Kit; and (2) 21st Century Smoke Rechargeable Universal Batteries (“21st Century E-Cig Batteries”). 39. The Plaintiffs are informed and believe that: Having knowledge of the
’628 Patent, the Defendants have been aware that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries, when purchased and/or used by their customers, result in direct infringement of one or more embodiments of the inventions claimed in the ’628 Patent. The Defendants state on their website that 21st Century E-Cig
Cartridges are “[c]ompatible with all rechargeable 21st Century Smoke batteries” and “are designed for use with the 21st Century Smoke Express or Super Kit.”17 The Defendants also instruct users to “[s]crew new cartridge/atomizer onto battery” and “[i]f battery has an atomizer already, [to] remove it then screw new cartridge/atomizer onto battery.”18 The Defendants also state on their website that “[t]he Universal Battery is a rechargeable battery that works with all 21st Century Smoke atomizers, cartridges with atomizers (cartomizers) and chargers” and “can be used as a backup or replacement for all 21st Century Smoke Kits.”19 Moreover, according to the Defendants’ website, “[o]nce the components are put together, the 21st Century Smoke electronic cigarette physically resembles a traditional cigarette in both width and length.”20 As such, the Defendants know that 21st Century E-Cig Cartridges and 21st Century E-Cig Batteries that are sold separately from their Electronic Cigarette Kits have no substantial non-infringing uses other than to provide users with the ability to assemble and use an electronic cigarette that infringes at least claims 1, 7, and 8 of the ’628 Patent, and therefore that they are especially made or adapted for use in infringement of the ’628 Patent. 40. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts of the
Defendants, the Plaintiffs have suffered, and are entitled to, monetary damages in an amount not yet determined. The Plaintiffs are also entitled to their costs of suit and interest. 41. The Defendants’ continuing infringement has inflicted and, unless
restrained by this court, will continue to inflict great and irreparable harm upon the
See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/Express-Refill-Cartridge-3Pack-Regular-1-6-p/38-115r.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 18 See, e.g., “Express Refill Cartridge 3 Pack Instructions,” found at http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/v/vspfiles/images/38-115R.pdf (last visited March19 5, 2014). See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/21st-Century-SmokeUniversal-Battery-p/38-401.htm (last visited March 5, 2014). 20 See, e.g., http://www.21stcenturysmoke.com/How-21st-Century-ECigarettes-Work-s/1822.htm (last visited March 5, 2014).
Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs have no adequate remedy at law. The Plaintiffs are entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining the Defendants from engaging in further acts of infringement. PRAYER FOR RELIEF The Plaintiffs request entry of judgment that: A. The ’742 Patent, the ’957 Patent, the ’331 Patent, and the ’628 Patent
are valid and enforceable; B. The Defendants are liable for infringement of the ’742 Patent, the ’957
Patent, the ’331 Patent, and the ’628 Patent under at least the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) and/or (c); C. The Defendants and all affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, employees,
agents, representatives, licensees, successors, assigns, and all those acting in concert with, or for or on behalf of the Defendants, shall be enjoined from infringing the ’742 Patent, the ’957 Patent, the ’331 Patent, and the ’628 Patent; D. The Defendants shall pay damages to the Plaintiffs resulting from
Defendants’ patent infringement pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284; E. The Plaintiffs be entitled to prejudgment interest and post-judgment
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