May 11 (Reuters)-A U. S.
The Court of Appeal overturned a ruling on Monday banning the import and sale of sex toys produced by several companies found to infringe on a patent held by Canadian Standard InnovationVibe vibrator.
Spokesman for Ottawa
The company said it was disappointed but believed its patents were still valid.
For years, Standard Innovation has been competing with rival Lelo Inc. armed or dual-motor vibrator.
Patent cases have received close attention in the novelty or gadgets of the adult entertainment industry.
In Monday's decision, the United StatesS.
The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the US ruling of June 2013. S.
International Trade Commission
In early 2012, a privately held Standard Innovation Company filed a complaint alleging that a group of companies led by Lelo violated its coverage of We-Vibe.
The Court of Appeal, in overturning the international trade center ruling, said that the standard company's investment and employment level in the United States did not reach a satisfactory level.
Known as the "domestic industry requirements.
"These requirements are important because the International Trade Centre has only the power to protect businesses or industries with high levels of investment --
Including engineering or R & D-
Or employment in the United States.
The court said standard companies assembled us using Chinese manufacturers-
Vibe equipment, parts and assemblies obtained from third parties
There is a lack of patent-related protection requirements.
Denny Alexander, a spokesman for Standard Innovation, said the company had not yet decided whether to reopen the case.
But Standard Innovation will consider restoring our imports and sales, he said.
Lelo or other companies see competitors as "intentional infringement ".
"While we are disappointed with the ruling, we are still optimistic about the effectiveness of our patents," Alexander said . ".
"The patent office has repeatedly reiterated that our patents are valid," he added . ".
The Lelo representative did not respond to calls and emails immediately
Emails seeking comments
The situation in the United StatesS.
The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is Lelo Inc. , Leloi AB, Appellant v.
International Trade Commission, Appellee, Standard Innovation American company, Standard Innovation Company, Intervenor, No. 2013-