Placon Corp. v. Sabert Corp. - Complaint

8/11/2019 Placon Corp. v. Sabert Corp. - Complaint

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1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICTFOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN

PLACON CORPORATION6096 McKee Road

Madison, WI 53719,

Plaintiff,

v.

SABERT CORPORATION2288 Main Street ExtensionSayreville, NJ 08872,

Defendant.

))

)))))))))))))

)

Civil Action No. 14-cv-587

COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF NONINFRINGEMENT AND

INVALIDITY

Plaintiff Placon Corporation (Placon), for its Complaint against Defendant Sabert

Corporation (Sabert) alleges as follows:

THE PARTIES

1. Placon is a Wisconsin corporation with a principal place of business at 6096 McKee

Road, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, 53719.

2. Upon information and belief, Sabert is a New Jersey corporation with a principal place of

business at 2288 Main Street Extension, Sayreville, New Jersey, 08872.

BACKGROUND

3. This is an action for a declaratory judgment of noninfringement and invalidity of U.S.

States Patent No. D527,956 (the 956 patent), which is attached as Exhibit A to this Complaint.

This action therefore arises under 35 U.S.C. 1 et seq.and 28 U.S.C. 2201et seq.

Case: 3:14-cv-00587 Document #: 1 Filed: 08/22/14 Page 1 of 5


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2

4. Placon is a nationwide leader in the design and manufacture of thermoformed plastic

packaging for the food, retail, and medical device industries. Placon designs, produces and sells a

variety of food packaging materials for bakeries, catering companies, convenience stores, the

food processing industry, supermarkets, and the food service industry.

5. Placon manufactures, sells, and offers for sale its Fresh n Clear brand of bowls and

lids for storing food products for display and use in supermarkets, delis, quick marts, restaurants,

cafeterias, and similar venues. Included among this line of products is a12 ounce bowl, SBS-12,

and a lid, SDLS-2. A copy of a brochure depicting the SBS-12 and the SDLS-2 is attached as

Exhibit B.

6. Sabert purports to own the 956 patent. On or about August 15, 2014, Sabert, through its

counsel, sent Placon a letter alleging that Placon was infringing the 956 patent by

manufacturing, using, selling, offering for sale and/or importing a food container that matches

the description of Placons SBS-12 bowl used with a SDLS-2 lid (the Placon Product).The

letter and attached exhibits received from Saberts counsel is attached as Exhibit C.

7. In the letter from Sabert, Sabert demanded that Placon cease and desist with respect to all

sales activities of the Placon Product, provide the names and addresses of customers to which

Placon had sold the Placon Product, the numbers of units sold, information about inventories of

the Placon Product, and information about molds and tools used to manufacture the Placon

Product. Sabert also attached a purported complaint for patent infringement and threatened to sue

Placon if Placon did not accede to its demands by August 25, 2014.

8. Placon has a reasonable apprehension that Sabert will disrupt Placons business by filing

suit against Placon for alleged infringement of the 956 patent and attempting to enjoin Placons

activities and/or claim it is entitled to monetary damages.



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3

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

9. Placon incorporates all previous allegations by reference. Based on the foregoing, a

present, genuine, actual and justiciable controversy exists under 28 U.S.C. 2201 and 2202 and

the patent laws, 35 U.S.C. 1 et seq.,between Placon and Sabert regarding, among other things,

Placons alleged infringement of the 956 patent and the validity of the 956 patent.

10.This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action under 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338,

2201.

11.Upon information and belief, Sabert regularly conducts business throughout the United

States and sells products within this judicial district and within this state. Sabert has contracts

and/or key sales or distribution relationships throughout the state of Wisconsin, including with

DJ Payne, Advance Sales, Joshen Milwaukee, Sysco, Culvers, Reinhart Foods, Roundys, Kwik

Trip, US Foods, and the University of Wisconsin. Upon further information and belief, Saberts

sales within the state of Wisconsin amount to at least $10 million annually. Saberts business

activities in Wisconsin are so continuous and systematic as to essentially render it at home in

Wisconsin. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Sabert pursuant to Wis. Stat. 801.05.

12.Venue in this case is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)-(c) and 1400(b).

COUNT I DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF NONINFRINGEMENT

13.Placon incorporates all previous allegations by reference.

14.The Placon Product, and any product similar to the Placon Product that is used,

manufactured, sold, offered for sale, and/or imported by Placon does not and will not infringe

the 956 patent.

15.Accordingly, Placon is entitled to a declaratory judgment of noninfringement.



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4

COUNT II DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF INVALIDITY

16.Placon incorporates all previous allegations by reference.

17.The 956 patent is invalid under one or more of 35 U.S.C. 102, 103 and/or 112 in view

of at least United States Patent No. D450,983, Saberts Freshpack all set to go Brochure dated

1997, and /or a bowl and lid product manufactured and sold by Placon to Leeann Chin Inc., a

design of which is attached as Exhibit D, prior to the priority date of the 956 patent.

18.Accordingly, Placon is entitled to a declaratory judgment on invalidity.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

Wherefore, Placon requests that judgment be entered in its favor and against Sabert as

follows:

A. Declaring that Placon has not, and will not, infringe the 956 patent;

B. Declaring that the 956 patent is invalid;

C. Declaring that Placon is entitled to its fees and costs in this action pursuant to 35

U.S.C. 285 and any other applicable statute, and awarding such fees and costs; and

D. Awarding such other relief as deemed appropriate.

JURY DEMAND

Placon demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.



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5

Dated: August 22, 2014 MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.

/s/ Edward J. Pardon

Jeffrey S. Ward

[email protected] J. [email protected] East Doty Street, Suite 600Madison, WI 53703(T) 608-280-6750(F) 612-332-9081



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EXHIBIT A

Case: 3:14-cv-00587 Document #: 1-1 Filed: 08/22/14 Page 1 of 15


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111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

USOOD527956S

(12) United States Design Patent (10)

Patent No.: US D527 956 S

Sep. 12 2006

oliwa

(45)

Date of Patent:

(54)

COMBINED SQUARE BOWL AND LID

(75) Inventor: Wojciech Doliwa Sayreville, NJ (US)

(73) Assignee: Sabert Corporation Sayreville, NJ

(US)

(**) Tenn: 14 Years

(21) Appl. No.: 291243 360

(22) Filed: Nov. 23 2005

Related U.S. Application Data

(62) Division

of

application No.

291205,921,

filed on May 21,

2004, now abandoned.

(51) LOC (8) Cl.

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

07-01

(52) U.S. Cl.

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

D7/629; D9/432

(58)

Field

of

Classification Search

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

D7/601,

D7/602,

629, 538-542; D9/424-432;

220/360,

220/366, 574, 780-806, 912, 913;

229/406,

229/407, 902-906

See application file for complete search history.

(56)

References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

4,412,630 A * 1111983 Daenen ......................

2201792

D355,814 S * 211995 VanValkenburg et

aI .....

D7/629

5,992,679 A * 1111999 Porchia et al. ...... ...... ..

2201782

D439,159 S *

3/2001

Chen ...........................

D9/425

D441,615 S

* 5/2001

Dretzka .......................

D7/629

D450,983 S *

11/2001

Tucker et al. ................

D7/629

D475,620 S

* 6/2003

Chen et al. .. ..... ..... ..... .

D9/425

D490,278 S

* 5/2004

Welsh .........................

D7/629

* cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-Terry

A. Wallace

(74) Attorney, Agent,

or Firm-Erza

Sutton, Esq.

(57)

CLAIM

The ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and lid,

as shown and described.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view

of

a combined square bowl

and lid embodying a first embodiment of my new design;

FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a left side view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a right side view thereof;


of


and lid embodying a second embodiment

of

my new design;


FIG. 8 is a rear view being thereof;



FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a combined square

bowl and lid embodying a third embodiment of my new

design;

FIG.

12

is a front view thereof;


FIG. 14 is a left side view thereof; and,

FIG. 15 is a right side view thereof.

1 Claim 9 Drawing Sheets



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u s Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 1 of 9

US D527,956 S



9/60

u s Patent

Sep.12 2006

Sheet 2 of 9

US D527 956 S

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10/60

u s Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 3 of 9

US D527,956 S

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11/60

u s

Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 4

of

9

us

D527,956 S


12/60

u s Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 5 of 9

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13/60

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Sep.12,2006

Sheet 6 of 9

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17/60

111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

USOOD527956Cl

(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE

6498th)

United States Patent (10) Number:

US D527 956

l

Doliwa (45) Certificate Issued: Oct. 28 2008

(54)


(75) Inventor:

Wojciech Doliwa

Sayreville, NJ (US)

(73) Assignee: PNC Bank National Association, East

Brunswick, NJ (US)

Reexamination Request:

No.

901010,077,

Dec.

12,2007

Reexamination Certificate for:

Patent No.:

Des. 527 956

Issued:

Sep. 12 2006

Appl. No.:

291243 360

Filed:

Nov. 23 2005


(62) Division

of

application No. 29/205,921, filed on May 21,


(51)

LOC

(8)

Cl.

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

07-01

(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................... D7/629; D9/432

(58)

Field

of Classification

Search

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

D7/629,

(56)

D7/601,

602, 538, 542;

D9/424-426;

2201782


References Cited


0272,595 S 2/1984 Chase et al.

D475,620 S 6/2003 Chen et al.

D475,621 S 6/2003 Buchalski et aI.

D495,928 S 912004 Laib

D505,596 S 5/2005 Tucker et al.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

"FreshpackTM all set to

go"

Brochure, Sabert Corporation,

dated 1997, and filed with a Statement of Use in U.S. Trade

mark Application Serial No.

75/407,501

on Aug. 2,1999.

Primary

Examiner-Robert

M. Spear



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US D527 956

l

Page 2

EX PARTE

REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE

ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307

AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN

DETERMINED THAT:

The patentability of the single design claim is confirmed.

The ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and

lid, as shown and described.

* * * * *



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111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

USOOD527956C2

(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (7229th)

United States Patent (10)

Number:

US D527,956 C2

Doliwa

(45)

Certificate Issued: Dec. 8,2009

(54)

COMBINED

SQUARE

BOWL

AND LID

(75) Inventor: Wojciech Doliwa, Sayreville, NJ (US)

(73) Assignee:

PNC Bank,

National Association, East

Brunswick, NJ (US)

Reexamination Request:

No. 90/009,364, Mar.

18,2009

Reexamination Certificate for:

Patent No.: Des. 527,956

Issued: Sep. 12, 2006

Appl. No.: 291243,360

Filed: Nov. 23, 2005

Reexamination Certificate

Cl

Des. 527,956 issued Oct. 28,

2008

Related

U.S.

Application

Data

(62)

Division of application No. 29/205,921, filed on May 21,

2004, now Pat. No. Des. 588,417.

(51) LOC (9) Cl. .................................................... 07-01

(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................... D7/629; D9/432

(58) Field

of

Classification

Search

........................ None


(56) References

Cited


DI03,125 S

3,447,714 A

4,917,261 A

5,356,026 A

D366,211 S

5,984,130 A

D440,829 S

D450,983 S

D475,620 S

D505,596 S

2/1937 Nicholson .................... D7/542

6/1969 Elliott ........................

206/1.5

4/1990 Borst ......................... 220/324

1011994 Andress et

aI

.............. 206/508

111996 Buff et al. .................... D9/425

1111999 Hayes et aI. . .............. 220/574

4/2001 Brown ......................... D7/629

1112001 Tucker et al. ..... ...... ..... D7/629

6/2003 Chen et al. ................... D9/425

512005

Tucker et al. ..... ...... .....

D7/629

Primary

Examiner-RobertM Spear



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US D527 956 C2

Page 2

EX PARTE



AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN

DETERMINED THAT:


The ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and


* * * * *



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EXHIBIT B



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Fresh n Clear

Mouth-watering displays,leak-resistant seals, securestacks,

and superb convenience!

BOWLS AND LIDS

6096 McKee RoadMadison, WI 53719

800.541.1535www.placon.com

e-mail: [email protected]

v-00587 Document #: 1-2 Filed: 08/22/14 Page 2 of 7


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Nothing ElseStacks Up


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Fresh n ClearBOWLS AND LIDS

Its not round, its not square its

scround! The unique scround design has a

modern look with a custom container feel

guaranteed to make your products stand out.

Scround bowls are perfect for cold, ready-to-eat

deli foods like lettuce salads, pasta and cut fruit to

baked goods and nuts!

Display cases not only look attractive and

li b t i i i d

Lids can becustom-embossedfor strong brand

recognition.


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SBL-48B SBL-48C

SB2X-80B

SBL-64B

SB2X-160C

SBL-64C

SB2X-160B

SBS-16B SBS-16C SBM-24B SBM-24C

SBM-32B SBM-32C

SBS-08CSBS-08B SBS-12CSBS-12B

SBL-32B SBL-32C

SB2X-80C

SBM-32B-3CC SBL-48C-4CCSBL-48B-4CCSBM-32C-3CC

*2XL & 3XL available in Flat Lid only.

Choose from three lid designs,

available in small, medium,

large, 2XL and 3XL.*

Flat Lid (Wave Design)Flat Lid Dome Lid Custom, embossed lids

are also available.

Case: 3:14-cv-00587 Document #: 1-2 Filed: 08/22


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Fresh n Clear Bowls are just one product in Placons food packaging line

containing EcoStarfood-grade recycled PET with up to 100% post-consumer

recycled content.

SIZESAVAILABLE

Part Case Case Weight/ Pallet Cases/Number Description Dimensions (in) Pack Case Cube TI/HI Pallet UPC

Small Bowl Use SFLS, SFLS-2 and SDLS-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.

SBS-08 8 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 5.00 x 5.00 x 1.74 500 13 lbs/2.56 6 x 6 36 044474081615SBS-12 12 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 5.00 x 5.00 x 2.19 500 13 lbs/2.56 6 x 6 36 044474081639SBS-16 16 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 5.00 x 5.00 x 2.91 500 16 lbs/2.56 6 x 6 36 044474081653

Medium Bowl Use SFLM, SFLM-2 and SDLM-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.

SBM-24 24 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 7.50 x 7.50 x 1.66 300 17 lbs/3.28 5 x 6 30 044474081684SBM-32 32 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 7.50 x 7.50 x 2.19 300 17 lbs/3.28 5 x 6 30 044474081707

SBM-32-3CC 32 oz. Compartment Bowl in 7.50 x 7.50 x 2.19 300 17 lbs/3.28 5 x 3 15 044474384266Clear or Black w/Center Cup

Large Bowl Use SFLL, SFLL-2 and SDLL-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.

SBL-32 32 oz. Clear or Black 9.00 x 9.00 x 1.63 150 13 lbs/2.33 10 x 4 40 044474116362Shallow Bowl

SBL-48 48 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 9.00 x 9.00 x 2.22 150 15 lbs/2.33 10 x 4 40 044474081936SBL-48-4CC 48 oz. Compartment Bowl in 9.00 x 9.00 x 2.25 150 15 lbs/2.33 10 x 2 20 044474384464

Clear or Black w/Center CupSBL-64 64 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 9.00 x 9.00 x 2.87 150 15 lbs/2.33 10 x 4 40 044474081950

2X-Large Bowl Use SF2XL-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.

SB2X-80 80 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 12.00 x 12.00 x 2.38 50 8 lbs/1.80 6 x 3 18 044474002115SB2X-160 160 oz. Clear or Black Bowl 12.00 x 12.00 x 3.90 50 11 lbs/1.80 6 x 3 18 044474002122

3X-Large Bowl Use SF3XL-2 lids Please specify Clear (C) or Black (B) when ordering.

SB3X-320 320 oz. Clear* or Black Bowl 16.12 x 16.12 x 4.13 36 16 lbs/3.70 4 x 2 8 044474200900

Lids

SFLS Small Flat Lid (Wave Design) 5.00 x 5.00 x 0.33 500 11 lbs/2.16 6 x 7 42 044474081660SFLS-2 Small Flat Lid 5.00 x 5.00 x 0.33 500 11 lbs/2.16 6 x 3 18 044474116447SDLS-2 Small Dome Lid 5.00 x 5.00 x 0.63 500 11 lbs/2.16 6 x 3 18 044474116386

Fits 8, 12 and 16 oz. bowls.

SFLM Medium Flat Lid (Wave Design) 7.50 x 7.50 x 0.33 300 13 lbs/2.86 5 x 7 35 044474081714

SFLM-2 Medium Flat Lid 7.50 x 7.50 x 0.33 300 13 lbs/2.86 5 x 3 15 044474116461SDLM-2 Medium Dome Lid 7.50 x 7.50 x 1.04 300 13 lbs/2.86 5 x 3 15 044474116409

Fits 24 and 32 oz. bowls.

SFLL Large Flat Lid (Wave Design) 9.00 x 9.00 x 0.33 150 13 lbs/1.96 10 x 5 50 044474081967SFLL-2 Large Flat Lid 9.00 x 9.00 x 0.33 150 13 lbs/1.96 10 x 2 20 044474116485SDLL-2 Large Dome Lid 9.00 x 9.00 x 1.29 150 13 lbs/1.96 10 x 2 20 044474116423

Fits 32 oz. Shallow, 48 and 64 oz. bowls.

SF2XL-2 2X Large Flat Lid 12.00 x 12.00 x 0.55 50 7 lbs/1.80 5 x 3 15 044474002139Fits 80 and 160 oz. bowls.

SF3XL-2 3X Large Clear Flat Lid 16.12 x 16.12 x 0.55 86 24 lbs/2.36 4 x 4 16 044474200917Fits 320 oz. bowl.

*320 oz. Clear Bowls are available as special orders.

SB3X-320

f 7


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Made in the USA

6096 McKee Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53719

800.541.1535 [email protected] www.placon.com2014 Placon Corpo

Fresh n Clear Trays & Lids

Crystal Seal

Crystal SealreFreshFresh n Clear Envisions

For virtually any retail food environment

supermarkets, delis, quick marts, restaurants,

cafeterias, food carts and beyondPlacon provides

thermoform packaging products that deliver

superior performance. Quality designs, secure

seals and exceptional clarity all play a role in our

industry-leading containers. Polypropylene and

PET options mean our packaging can accommodate

virtually any food product, use and environment.

And, our EcoStarfood-grade recycled PET (with

up to 100% post-consumer recycled content) allows

you to market your products while showing

consumers your commitment to sustainability.

For samples or to request additional information

about any of our product lines, call 800.541.1535

or email us at [email protected].

HomeFreshRotisserie

Chicken

HomeFreshDeli EvolutionsDeli

PLACONISYOURSOLUTIONFORFOODPACKAGING.

Fresh n Clear

Catering

Fresh n Clear

Multi-Compartment

Crystal Seal

Tamper-Evident

Dimensions Bakery

NEW NEW

Ca


28/60

EXHIBIT C



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August 15, 2014

VIA UPS

Mr. Dan Mohs

CEO

Placon Corporation

6096 McKee Rd

Madison, WI 53719

~

COZEN

\.. O'CONNOR

Martin B. Pavane

Direct phone 212-883-4994

Direct

Fax 646-588-1478

[email protected]

Re: Placon Corp.'s Inf ringement of Sabert Corp.'s U.S. Patent No.

0527,956

Dear Mr. Mohs:

We are counsel for Sabert Corporation ("Sabert"), a well-known designer, manufacturer, and

distributor of containers for packaging, displaying, serving and storing food products.

For some time Sabert has been selling into the market a proprietary food container having a

unique design, for which Sabert obtained U.S. Patent

No.

0527,956, entitled: "Combined

Square Bowl and Lid" (copy enclosed).

It has come to Sa bert's attention that Placon Corporation ("Placon") is selling a food container

that is a copy

of

Sabert's proprietary container. The container

in

question ("Placon Container")

is a clear, 12 oz. square bowl and lid measuring about 5" by 5", with a height of about 2.5" (see

enclosed photograph). Sabert understands that Placon is selling the Placon Product at least to

Quick Chek Food Stores, Inc. The harm to Sabert is self-evident.

As indicated

in

the enclosed Complaint for design patent infringement, which has not yet been

filed, Sabert intends to pursue all available remedies against Placon's infringement. Available

remedies include: (1) an injunction preventing Placon from making, using, offering for sale, and

selling its infringing container, or importing its infringing container into the United States (35

U.S.C. 283); (2) an order compelling Placon to deliver up for destruction any molds or other

tools especially adapted for manufacture of the infringing containers (35 U.S.C.

283); (3) a

monetary award equal to the amount

of

damages suffered by Sabert as a result

of

Placon's

infringement (35 U.S.C. 284); (4) a monetary award equal to Placon's total profit from the sale

of its infringing container (35 U.S.C.

289) (5) trebling of the damages award (35 U.S.C.

284);

and (6) an award of attorneys' fees (35 U.S.C.

285).

Sabert hereby demands that Placon (1) confirm in writing to the undersigned by no later than

August

25,2014

that Placon has ceased all offers for sale and sales of the Placon Container,

(2) provide the names and addresses for each party to whom the Pia con Container has been

sold and the number

of

units sold to each, (3) provide complete information regarding the

number of Placon Containers currently in Placon's inventory, and (4) identify all molds and other

tools especially adapted for manufacture of the Placon Container.

277 Park Avenue New York, NY 10172

212.883.4900 888 .864.3013 212.986.0604

Fax

cozen.com



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Mr. Dan Mohs

August

15,

2014

Page 2

In the absence of Placon's timely response. Sabert intends to file the enclosed Complaint

in

the

United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Nothing

in

this letter is intended, or should be understood, as constituting

an

exhaustive

statement of our client's position

or

a waiver

or

limitation of any of its legal or equitable rights or

remedies with respect to Placon's infringement of U.S.

0527,956,

and all such rights are

expressly reserved

Sincerely,

COZEN O'CONNOR

~ ~ 6 v

MBP

Enclosures

LEGAL\20184906\1



31/60

, ,



32/60

IN

THE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT

COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

---------------------------------------------------------------)

S ~ E l i C O ~ O A A T I ~ ,

)

)

Plaintiff, )

)

v.

)

)

PLACON

C O ~ O A A T I O N

)

)

Defendant. )

---------------------------------------------------------------)

Civil Action No.

COMPLAINT

PATENT INFRINGEMENT

(Trial by Jury Demanded)

Plaintiff, Sabert Corporation ("Sabert"), for its Complaint against Defendant Placon

Corporation ("Placon"), alleges as follows:

THE PARTIES

1. Sabert

is

a New Jersey corporation with a principal place of business

at

2288 Main

Street Extension, Sayreville, NJ 08872.

2. Upon information and belief, Placon is a Wisconsin corporation with a principal place

of

business at 6096 McKee Road, Madison, WI 53719.

3. Upon information and belief, Placon regularly conducts business throughout the United

States and within this judicial district.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

4. This is an action for patent infringement arising under the patent laws of the United

States, 35 U.S.C.

1 et seq.

5. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action under 28 U.S.C.

1331 and/or 1338.

6. Venue in this Court

is

proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)-(c) and 1400(b).



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GENERAL ALLEGATIONS

7. United States Patent No. D527,956 ("the '956 Patent"), entitled "COMBINED

SQUARE BOWL AND LID," was duly and legally issued by the United States Patent

and Trademark Office on September 12, 2006. A true and correct copy of the '956

Patent

is

attached hereto as Exhibit A.

8. Sabert

is

the owner

of

the '956 Patent.

9. Sabert

is

a well-known designer, manufacturer and distributor of containers for

packaging, displaying, serving and storing food products, including the combined

square bowl and lid covered by Sabert's '956 Patent ("Sabert's Patented Container").

10. Upon information and belief, Placon has manufactured, used, offered for sale and/or

sold in the United States, and/or imported into the United States, food containers,

including the clear 12 oz. square bowl and lid depicted in the photograph attached

hereto

as

Exhibit B, that infringe Sabert's '956 Patent.

11. Upon information and belief, employees of defendant Placon saw one or more of

Sabert's Patented Containers prior to the design and initial manufacture and sale in the

United States and/or importation into the United States by

or

for defendant Placon of

Placon's infringing food containers.

12. Upon information and belief, employees of defendant Placon were aware of the '956

Patent prior to the design and initial manufacture by defendant Placon of Placon' s

infringing food containers, and prior to any sale in the United States and/or importation

into the United States of Placon's infringing food containers.

2



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13. On August 15, 2014, Sabert sent defendant Pia con a letter notifying Placon

of

its

infringement of Sabert's '956 Patent.

COUNT I - CLAIM FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT AGAINST

PLACON

14. Sabert incorporates by reference paragraphs 1-13 of this Complaint as

if

fully set forth

herein.

15. Upon information and belief, in violation of 35 U.S.C.

271, Placon has made, used,

offered for sale and/or sold, and/or imported into the United States, and continues to

make, use, offer for sale and/or sell in New Jersey and elsewhere in the United States,

and/or import into the United States, food containers, including the clear,

12

oz. square

bowl and lid depicted in the photograph attached hereto

as

Exhibit B, that infringe the

'956 Patent, and Placon will continue such infringement unless enjoined by this Court.

16. Upon information and belief, the acts of infringement by Placon alleged herein were

and are willful, intentional and in conscious disregard of Sabert's rights under the '956

Patent.

17. As a result of Pia con's infringement

of

the '956 Patent, Placon has made and will

continue to make unlawful gains and profits, and Sabert has been and will continue to

be deprived

of

revenue that it would otherwise have generated but for such

infringement.

18. Sabert has been and will continue to be irreparably harmed by Placon's infringement

of

the '956 Patent.

19.

As

a result of Placon's acts of infringement, Placon has unjustly profited and Sabert has

been damaged.

3



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JURY

DEMAND

Pursuant to Fed.

R.

Civ. P. 3 8(b), Sabert requests a trial by

jury

on all issues so triable.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

Wherefore, Sabert prays for relief as follows:

A. A judgment that Placon has infringed the '956 Patent;

B. An order pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 283 enjoining and restraining Placon, its

officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, affiliates, attorneys and all others

in active concert or participation with Placon, from infringing the '956 Patent;

C. An order pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 283 compelling Placon to deliver up for

destruction any molds

or

other tools especially adapted for manufacture of the

infringing containers;

D.

An accounting of Piacon's sales of food containers that infringe the '956 Patent,

including sales that occur after the close

of

fact discovery in this action;

E. A judgment pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284 awarding Sabert its damages, but not less

than a reasonable royalty, resulting from Placon's infringement ofthe '956 Patent,

including damages suffered by Sabert as a result

of

Piacon's acts

of

infringement

of

the '956 Patent subsequent to the close

of

fact discovery in this action;

F. A judgment pursuant to 35 U.S.C.

289 awarding Sabert an amount equal to

Placon's total profits resulting from Placon's infringement;

4



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G. A judgment that Placon's infringement ofthe

'956

Patent has been and is in

willful, knowing and deliberate disregard

of

Sabert' s patent rights, and awarding

Sabert enhanced damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284;

H. A judgment awarding Sabert its costs, disbursements and attorneys' fees incurred

in prosecuting this action pursuant to 35

U.S.c.

284 and/or 285;

I. A judgment awarding Sabert pre- and post-judgment interest on any monetary

award; and

J.

Such other and further relief as the Court may deem just, equitable, and proper.

Date: August 15,2014

20159075vl

COZEN O'CONNOR

By:_____________

COZEN O'CONNOR

Martin B. Pavane

(pro hac vice motion

to

be filed)

Darren S. Mogil

(pro hac vice motion

to

be filed)

277 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10172

[email protected]

[email protected]

Attorneys for

Plaintiff

Sabert Corporation

5



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111111

I I I I I I I I I I I ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

USOOD527956S

(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.:

US D527,956 S

** Sep. 12, 2006

oliwa (45) Date of Patent:

(54) COl\ffiINED SQUARE BOWLAND LID

(75) Inventor: Wojciecb Doliwa, Sayreville,

N.I

(US)

(73) Assignee: Sabert

Corporation,

Sayreville, NJ

(US)

( ... ) Ternl:

14 Years

(21) Appl. No.: 29/243,360

(22) Filed: Nov. 23, 2005


(62) Oivision of application No.

29

1205,921.

filed

on May

21,


(51) LOC (8) Cl .................................................... 07-01

(52) U.S. CI .......................................... D7/629; 09/432

(58) Field

of

Classification Search ..................

07/601,

(56)

07/602,6 29,538-542; 09/424-432; 220/360,

220/366,574,780- 806,912,913; 229/406,

229/407, 902 906


References

Cited


4,412,630 A .. 11 / 1983 Oaenen ...................... 2201792

0355,814 S

..

211995 VanValkenburg

et

aI .....

07

/

629

5,992,679 A .. 1111999 Porchia et al. ..............

220

17

82

0439,159 S

..

31

2001

Chen ........................... 09 /425

0441,615 S

..

5/2001 Oretzka .......................

07

/629

0450,983 S .. 1112001 Tucker et al. ................ 071629

0475,620 S

..

6/2003 Chen et

al.

.................. 09 /425

0490,278 S ..

5/2004

Welsh ......................... 07 /629

'"

cited

by

examiner

Primary Examiner-Terr y A. Wallace

(74) Attorney, Agent, or

Firm-Erza Sutton, Esq.

(57) CLAIM

TIle ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and lid,

as shown and described.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combined square bowl

and lid embodying a first embodiment

of

my n ew design;


FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;




of


and lid embodying a second embodiment of my new design;


FIG.

8

is a rear view being thereof;




of

a combined square

bowl and lid embodying a third embodiment of my new

design;



FIG. 14 is a left side view thereof; and,

FIG. 15 is a right side view thereof.

1 Claim, 9 Drawing Sheets



38/60

u s Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 1 of 9

US D527,956 S



39/60

u.s. Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 2 of 9

US D527,956 S



40/60

u.s. Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 3 of 9

US D527,956 S

,



41/60

u s

Patent

Sep.12,200

6

Sheet 4

of

9

US

D527 956

S


42/60

u s

Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 5 of 9

US D527,956 S



43/60

u s Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 6

of

9

US D527 956 S

~

a

"

.

Cb

~



44/60

u s Patent

Sep.12,2006

Sheet 7 of 9

us D527,956 S

ase: : -cv- ocumen : - e : age o


45/60

u s Patent

Sep.12 2006

Sheet

8 of 9

US D527 956 S

' 1 -.

~ ~

0")

~

.

-\'

~

1

k:

f

l,

, r

C\l

\ ~

.... .

.

~

~



46/60

u.s. Patent

Sep.12,2006 Sheet 9 of 9

US D527,956 S



47/60

111111 11111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111 11111111

USOOD527956Cl

(12)

EX

PARTE REEXAMINATION

CERTIFICATE (6498th)

United States Patent

(10)

Number:

US D527,956

Cl

Doliwa

(45)

Certificate Issued: Oct. 28,2008

(54)


(75)

Inventor: Wojciech Doliwa, Sayreville, NJ (US)

(73) Assignee: PNC

Bank, National

Association, East

Brunswick, NJ (US)

Reexamination

Request:

No.

90/010,077,

Dec.

12,2007

Reexamination

Certificate

for:

Patent No.: Des. 527,956

Issued: Sep. 12, 2006

Appl. No.: 291243,360

Filed: Noy. 23, 2005

Related

U.S.

Application

Data

(62)

Division

of

application No.

291205,921,

filed

on

May 21,


(51)

LOC

(8)

CI.

.................................................... 07-01

(52) U.S.

Ct

....................... : .................

07/629;

09/432

(58) Field

of

Classification

Search

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

07/629,

(56)

07/601,602,538,542; 09/42 4-426; 2201782


References

Cited


0272,595

S 2/1984

Chase

et

aI.

0475,620

S

612003

Chenetal.

0475,621

S

6/2003

Buchalski et aI.

0495,928

S

9/2004

Laib

0505,596

S

5/2005

Tucker et al.

OTHER

PUBLICATIONS

"FreshpackTM all set to

go"

Brochure, Sabert Corporation,

dated 1997, and filed with a Statcmcnt

of

Usc in U.S. Trade

mark Application Serial No. 75/407,501 on Aug. 2, 1999.

Primary Examiner- Robert

M. Spear



48/60

US D527 956

l

Page 2

EX PARTE



AS

A RESULT

OF

REEXAMINATION, IT HAS

BEEN

DETERMINED THAT:


The

ornamental designs for a combined square bowl and


>I< >I< >I< >I< >IS9J

2.716

L",j

\ -===i===)

NOTES,

L

Oil

nU'DSIOI


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~ . J

/

~

NOTES:

l. nrH (stII

Documents

Placon Corp. v. Sabert Corp. - Complaint