A Florida brick engraving company sued a Wisconsin brick company on Dec. 3 over allegations of patent infringement.
Brick Markers U.S.A., Inc. filed the lawsuit against Creative Brick and Concrete citing infringement based on the method Brick Markers uses to engrave its bricks. The lawsuit names Gloria Hess, the owner of Gift Bricks, as a defendant as well.
The lawsuit states Brick Markers obtained a patent in July 2007 for a specific method used to create permanently engraving on its bricks, pavers and tiles customers. The bricks are used for fundraising, donor recognition and custom landscape design projects, the lawsuit states.
Brick Markers alleged that the defendants use a similar method in making its bricks, which is a violation of the patent.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to prevent Creative Brick and Concrete from producing bricks in the same fashion as Brick Markers. The plaintiffs claim the actions hurt the business, and are asking the court for royalties and the forfeit of profits by the defendant. The lawsuit does not state a specific amount, but the plaintiffs believe it is more than $75,000.
The plaintiffs are represented by Matthew G. McAndrews, of Niro Haller & Niro of Chicago, and Matthew Sean Tucker of Tucker IP of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida case number 9:14-cv-81512.