Spanx Sues Copycats: Feds Probe Shapewear Patent Wars
Published Date: 2/6/2025
Notice
Summary
Spanx, LLC has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain shapewear products that might be copying their patented designs. This could lead to stopping some shapewear imports and sales in the U.S., protecting Spanx’s business and possibly shaking up the market soon. If the investigation moves forward, companies selling these shapewear items might face new rules and restrictions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Investigation Could Block Shapewear Imports
A complaint was filed on December 31, 2024 (supplemented January 22, 2025) alleging that certain imported shapewear infringes U.S. Patent Nos. 9,179,713; 9,930,916; 10,455,866; D707,920; D796,780; and D796,784. The complainant asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate and to issue a general or limited exclusion order that could stop those infringing shapewear imports from entering the United States.
Domestic Sellers Could Face Cease-and-Desist Orders
The complaint requests that, after investigation, the Commission issue cease and desist orders that could force U.S. companies to stop selling certain shapewear that allegedly infringes the same listed patents. If issued, those orders could require sellers and distributors to halt sales of specified products in the United States.
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