Chinta & Fratangelo LLP

Obviousness in view of references considered in examination – Tokai Corp. v. Easton Enterprises, Inc.

Obviousness in view of references considered in examination – Tokai Corp. v. Easton Enterprises, Inc.

Tokai owned three patents at issue, pertaining to lighters with an elongated rod, useful for lighting barbecue grills.  Easton makes competitive products. Tokai sued Easton for patent infringement. The diputed feature was a safety device requiring the user to depress a button while pulling the trigger.  Tokai Corp. v. Easton Enterprises, Inc., No. 2010-1057 (Fed. …