Recent patent/copyright infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts

Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division
June 21

- Orion IP LLC vs. Thule AB et al
Orion, a company based in Marshall, claims it holds the rights to U.S. Patent No. 5,615,342 for "Electronic Proposal Preparation System" and USP No. 5,367,627 for "Computer Assisted Parts Sales Method." Orion alleges that Thule and its subsidiary companies are infringing on those patents by methods practiced on several Web sites, including www.thulegroup.com, using supply chain methods, sales methods and systems, marketing methods and systems and inventory systems.
Orion says it has suffered monitory damages in an amount yet to be determined, and that it will continue to suffer damages unless the defendants' infringing activities are enjoined by the court.
Orion is represented by Danny Williams of Williams, Morgan & Amerson PC of Houston.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis.
Case No. 6:07-cv-286-LED

Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division
June 25

- Jack Lo vs. Microsoft Corporation et al
Lo, a California resident, claims he is the inventor of an "Ergonomic Computer Mouse" under U.S. Patent No. 5,576,733 issued Nov. 19, 1996. The ergonomic mouse features an upright finger support system with thumb support. "The hand will be in a naturally upright and relaxed position, without requiring twisting of the hand, wrist or forearm. Fatigue, discomfort and pain will be reduced or eliminated even after use for long periods of time," the patent documents state.
Lo says Microsoft's "Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000" and the "Air02bic Mouse (formerly called the Quill Mouse)" by Designer Appliances Inc. are devices that infringe on the '733 patent.
He is seeking treble damages, which is an award whereby the judge triples the amount that the jury awards as an act of punishment to the defendant.
Andrew Spangler of Brown McCarroll LLP of Longview is representing Jack Lo.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge David Folsom.
Case No. 2:07-cv-00265-DF