National Graphics Lenticular In-Mold Patent Prevails in Patent Office

WAUKESHA, WI—October 2, 2014—National Graphics’ Patent (6,635,196 - Molded Articles Having a Surface Bearing a Lenticular Image) survived an Inter Partes Review (IPR) brought by Dynamic Drinkware of Oshkosh, WI, IPR2013-00131) [http://www.extremevision.com/legal/final-decision-42.pdf]. The review of the Patent was initiated after National Graphics (NGI) started an infringement lawsuit (NGI v Brax, et all) asserting that Dynanic Drinkware was among four companies infringing at least one of NGI’s patents.

As defined by the US Patent & Trademark Office, "IPR is a new trial proceeding conducted at the [Patent Trial and Appeal] Board to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent…"

"Inter partes review enables a third party to challenge the validity of a patent," explained Michael Griggs of Boyle Fredrickson, attorney for NGI. "A patent that survives an inter partes review unscathed, such as NGI’s Lenticular In-Mold patent, emerges stronger, having been held to be patentable over the third party challenge by a panel of three administrative patent judges."

"National Graphics has put a lot of money and effort into developing our patent portfolio," said Donald Krause, owner of NGI. "Logically, we will put money and effort into defending our patents. The validity of our Lenticular In-Mold patent was challenged, and our patent has come out the stronger for it."

The patent pertains to molded articles (ie. cups, bottles, cell phone cases, cosmetic cases, etc.) bearing a lenticular image. Images printed on a lenticular lens are transformed from static images into dynamic art through special effects such as 3-Dimension, Motion, Morph, Zoom or Flip.

"National does license some of its patents, including this Lenticular In-Mold patent," continued Krause. "It should be noted that we have In-Mold patents in other countries as well."

About National Graphics
National Graphics was established in 1976. Originators in lithographic lenticular imaging, National Graphics designed the first commercially viable lenticular lens, which is now an industry standard. With its patented Extreme Vision process, National Graphics provides the highest quality lithographic lenticular product in the world and owns one of the most comprehensive portfolios of intellectual property in the industry.

About Boyle Fredrickson, SC
Established in 1999, Boyle Fredrickson has grown to become Wisconsin’s largest intellectual property law firm. The firm handles all facets of IP law, from patents, trademarks and copyrights to trade secrets, unfair competition and licensing. The firm and/or its attorneys have been recognized as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News and World Report since 2008 and named as SuperLawyers since 2005. Because of the firm’s singular focus on domestic and international IP law, Boyle Fredrickson provides expert counsel, personal service and attention to detail not found anywhere else.

Source: National Graphic.