A Chalmette company is suing an Alabama business and two individuals to obtain a determination that the plaintiff is not infringing on a patent.
Ruff Stuff filed a lawsuit Oct. 30 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Tuff Truck Bags of Dolthon, Ala., Timothy Dozier and Philip Dozier.
For several years, the complaint states, Ruff Stuff has been designing and producing a waterproof bag for use in truck beds. However, the defendants allege the plaintiff is infringing on a patent and sent a letter Sept. 25 charging Ruff with a patent violation and demanding that Ruff Stuff cease and desist all activity in regards to the product.
Ruff Stuff believes, however, the defendants do not have a patent for the product in question so there is no violation, the suit states.
Ruff Stuff seeks a jury trial, a preliminary injunction so the defendants cannot initiate infringement litigation and that the injunction become permanent, a declaration there is no patent infringement, and an order declaring the plaintiff is a prevailing party so that it be awarded costs, expenses, attorney fees and court costs.The plaintiff is represented by attorney Neil J. Coig of New Orleans.
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:15-cv-05567-SM-JCW.