Friday, July 11, 2008 The Leatherman tool patent case By Clint Fabiosa & Andrew Ong I.Protect
LEATHERMAN Tool Group is widely known all over the world for its multifunction tool that was arguably uniquely new at the time of its introduction.
A Leatherman tool is essentially a pair of pliers with other tools stored in the handles, and generally includes a knife, pliers, screwdriver and assorted other devices. Some products from Leatherman have as many as 20 tools and weigh up to 12.5 ounces, while others are smaller than a Swiss Army knife and weigh as little as 1.8 ounces.
In 1995, Cooper Industries manufactured a similar tool, which was nearly identical to the original, save for a few cosmetic changes.
Leatherman then filed an unfair competition suit against Cooper Industries for imitating its product.
In 1997, Cooper Industries lost the case and was found guilty of false advertising, imitation and unfair competition. It was ordered to pay Leatherman $50,000 in compensatory damages and $4.5 million in punitive damages. (Cooper Industries v. Simmons, 532 U.S. 424 [2001]).
