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Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9 Filed 06/28/18 Page 1 of 12 Page ID #:38

1 Daniel R. Kimbell (State Bar No. 136837)


daniel.kimbell@kb-ip.com
2 Eric Bjorgum (State Bar No. 198392)
3 eric.bjorgum@kb-ip.com
Marc Karish (State Bar No. 205440)
4 marc.karish@kb-ip.com
KARISH & BJORGUM PC
5 119 E. Union Street, Suite B
Pasadena, CA 91103
6 Telephone: (213) 785-8070
7 Facsimile: (213) 955-5010

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Attorneys for Plaintiff S.P.E.P ACQUISITION CORP.
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11 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

12 CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA


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14 S.P.E.P ACQUISITION CORP., a Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO
15 California corporation,
S.P.E.P ACQUISITION CORP.’S FIRST
16 AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR
Plaintiff, PATENT INFRINGEMENT DAMAGES
17 AND PERMANENT INJUNCTION
v.
18 ALLEGIS CORPORATION, a Minnesota DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
19 corporation,
JUDGE: Ronald S. W. Lew
20 Defendant. COURT: United States Courthouse
21 350 W. 1st Street, Suite 4311
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
(Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO) - -1-
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9 Filed 06/28/18 Page 2 of 12 Page ID #:39

1 Plaintiff S.P.E.P ACQUISITION CORP (“S.P.E.P”) brings this action against

2 Defendant ALLEGIS CORPORATION (Defendant or “Allegis”) for a permanent


3 injunction, damages, and other appropriate relief to stop Defendant from violation SPEP’s
4 patent rights. SPEP states and alleges as follows:
5 THE PARTIES

6 1. S.P.E.P is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state

7 of California, having its principal place of business at 4041 Via Oro Ave., Long Beach,
8 CA 90810.
9 2. S.P.E.P is a market leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of

10 innovative hardware and latches for commercial, residential, vehicles, trailers, HVAC,
11 RV’s Marine, NEMA/JIC enclosures, sheds, spray booths and other applications.
12 3. `` Allegis is a corporation organized
Upon information and belief, Defendant

13 and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota, having its principal place of
14 business at 8001 Central Ave N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55432.
15 NATURE OF THE ACTION

16 4. This is a civil action arising under the patent laws of the United States,

17 Title 35 of the United States Code, to seek injunctive relief and obtain monetary

18 remedies resulting from Defendant's unauthorized manufacture, use, importation, offer

19 for sale, and/or selling of products that infringe the claims of S.P.E.P's United States

20 Patent No. 8,205,304 for "Adjustable Friction Hinge" (the '304 Patent), and the claim of

21 S.P.E.P's United States Design Patent No. D635,433 for "Adjustable Friction Hinge" (the

22 '433 Patent).

23 5. This action involves Defendant's unauthorized manufacture, use,

24 importation, offer for sale, and/or selling of infringing hardware products, including,

25 without limitation Allegis friction latches PIN H213 l 700 ("the Accused Product").

26 JURISDICTION AND VENUE

27 6. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section

28 271.
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
(Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO) - -2-
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9 Filed 06/28/18 Page 3 of 12 Page ID #:40

1 7. Upon information and belief, Defendant Allegis is supplier of latches,

2 handles, hinges, and related items. On information and belief, Allegis advertised,

3 marketed, and sold its products, including the products that are the subject of the patent

4 infringement alleged in this lawsuit, to the public throughout the United States, including

5 within this jurisdiction.

6 8. Based on information and belief, venue in this judicial district is proper

7 under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and 1400(b) because Defendant has committed acts of

8 infringement and is believed to have a regular and established place of business in this

9 judicial district.

10 GENERAL ALLEGATIONS

11 9. S.P.E.P is the owner of United States Patent No. 8,205,304 for “Adjustable
12 `` issued by the United States
Friction Hinge” (“the '304 Patent”), was duly and legally
13 Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”) on June 26, 2012. A true and correct copy of the
14 ‘304 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The ‘304 Patent names Tam Le as the sole
15 inventor.
16 10. The '304 Patent claims an adjustable friction hinge.
17 11. Each claim of the '304 Patent is valid and enforceable.
18 12. S.P.E.P is the assignee and owner of the ‘304 Patent, with the right to sue
19 and recover for past infringement of the '304 Patent and any and all causes of action and
20 remedies, either legal and/or equitable; related thereto.
21 13. S.P.E.P is the owner of United States Design Patent No. D635,433 for
22 “Adjustable Friction Hinge” (“the '433 Patent”), was duly and legally issued by the
23 United States Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”) on April 5, 2011. A true and
24 correct copy of the ‘433 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B. The ‘433 Patent names
25 Tam Le as the sole inventor.
26 14. The '433 Patent claims an ornamental design for an adjustable friction
27 hinge.
28 15. The claim of the '433 Patent is valid and enforceable.
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
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1 16. S.P.E.P is the assignee and owner of the ‘433 Patent, with the right to sue

2 and recover for past infringement of the '433 Patent and any and all causes of action and

3 remedies, either legal and/or equitable; related thereto.

4 17. Defendant has manufactured, used, sold, offered for sale, and/or imported

5 into the United States friction hinges that infringe S.P.E.P's patent rights, including the

6 ‘304 Patent and the ‘433. On April 2, 2018, Counsel for Plaintiff S.P.E.P provided

7 written notice to Defendant of its infringement of the ‘304 Patent. The notice was sent to

8 Defendant via FedEx next day shipping. On June 21, 2018 Counsel for Plaintiff S.P.E.P

9 provided written notice to Defendant’s counsel of its infringement of the ‘433 Patent via

10 email.

11 COUNT I – INFRINGEMENT OF THE ‘304 PATENT

12 18. `` Paragraphs 1 to 17 of these


Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference

13 Counterclaims as though fully set forth herein.

14 19. Defendant has directly infringed at least independent claims 1, 7, and 9 of

15 the ‘304 patent by making, using, offering to sell, and selling within the United States

16 and/or importing into the United States products that infringe the ‘304 patent, including

17 without limitation, Allegis friction latches PIN H2131700.

18 20. Visual inspection of Allegis friction hinge PIN H2131700 demonstrates

19 that it literally infringes each and every element of claims 1, 7, and 9. Shown below are

20 images of an embodiment of the invention of the ‘304 Patent.

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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
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11 FIG. 5 of the ‘304 Patent
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23 CAD drawings of S.P.E.P. P/N FH200BKP

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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
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Photo of disassembled infringed S.P.E.P. P/N FH200BKP
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21. Shown below are images of Defendant’s
`` friction hinge P/N
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FH200BKP which includes the same elements, arranged in the same manner as
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claimed in the ‘304 Patent.
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Photo of Defendant’s disassembled infringing P/N H2131700
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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
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Drawing of Defendant’s disassembled infringing P/N H2131700
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14 22. As a direct and proximate consequence of Defendant's infringement of the
15 ‘304 patent, S.P.E.P has suffered irreparable harm, and S.P.E.P will continue to suffer
16 irreparable harm in the future unless Defendant is enjoined from infringing the ‘304 Patent.
17 23. Upon information and belief, Defendant's infringement is willful, deliberate,
18 intentional, and with knowledge of the existence of the ‘304 Patent.
19 24. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's acts of infringement,
20 Defendant has derived and received gain, profits, and advantages in an amount to be
21 determined at trial or hearing.
22 COUNT II – INFRINGEMENT OF THE ‘433 PATENT

23 25. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference Paragraphs 1 to 24 of these


24 Counterclaims as though fully set forth herein.
25 26. Defendant has directly infringed the claim of the ‘433 patent by making,
26 using, offering to sell, and selling within the United States and/or importing into the
27 United States products that infringe the ‘433 patent, including without limitation,
28 Allegis friction latches PIN H2131700.
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
(Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO) - -7-
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9 Filed 06/28/18 Page 8 of 12 Page ID #:45

1 27. Visual inspection of Allegis friction hinge PIN H2131700 demonstrates

2 that it infringes the claim of the ‘433 patent. Shown below are images of the invention

3 of the ‘304 Patent.

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FIGS. 1-3 of the ‘433 Patent
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Photo of disassembled infringed S.P.E.P. P/N FH200BKP
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28. Shown below are images of Defendant’s friction hinge P/N FH200BKP
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which presents the same ornament design as claimed in the ‘433 Patent.
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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
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3 Photo of Defendant’s disassembled infringing P/N H2131700

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15 Drawing of Defendant’s disassembled infringing P/N H2131700
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17 29. As a direct and proximate consequence of Defendant's infringement of the
18 ‘433 patent, S.P.E.P has suffered irreparable harm, and S.P.E.P will continue to suffer
19 irreparable harm in the future unless Defendant is enjoined from infringing the ‘433 Patent.
20 30. Upon information and belief, Defendant's infringement is willful, deliberate,
21 intentional, and with knowledge of the existence of the ‘433 Patent.
22 31. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's acts of infringement,
23 Defendant has derived and received gain, profits, and advantages in an amount to be
24 determined at trial or hearing.
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26 PRAYER FOR RELIEF

27 WHEREFORE, Defendant prays for judgment as follows:

28 a. A judgment that Defendant has infringed the '304 patent and the ‘433
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
(Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO) - -9-
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9 Filed 06/28/18 Page 10 of 12 Page ID #:47

1 patent;
2 b. An order preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining

3 Defendant, its officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, licensees, attorneys, and all
4 other persons acting under or through it, directly or indirectly, from infringing the ‘304
5 patent and the ‘433 patent;
6 c. Judgment and order requiring that Defendant pay damages under 35

7 U.S.C. § 284 for infringement of the ‘304 Patent and under 35 U.S.C. § 289 for the
8 infringement of the ‘433 Patent, both with prejudgment interest;
9 d. A judgment and order directing Defendant to pay the costs of this action,

10 including all disbursements and attorney fees as provided by 35 U.S.C. § 285, with
11 prejudgment interest; and
12 e. `` may deem just and equitable.
Such other and further relief as the Court

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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
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1 Respectfully submitted:

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Dated: June 28, 2018
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KARISH & BJORGUM, PC
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6 By /s/ Daniel R. Kimbell
Daniel R. Kimbell
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
8 S.P.E.P ACQUISITION CORP.

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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
(Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO) - -11-
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9 Filed 06/28/18 Page 12 of 12 Page ID #:49

1 DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL


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Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38, S.P.E.P. hereby demands a jury
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trial as to all issues in this lawsuit.
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Respectfully submitted:
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7 Dated: June 28, 2018
8 KARISH & BJORGUM, PC
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By /s/ Daniel R. Kimbell
11 Daniel R. Kimbell

12 ``
Attorneys for Plaintiff
S.P.E.P ACQUISITION CORP.
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FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
(Case No. 18-cv-5123-RSWL-RAO) - -12-
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 1 of 16 Page ID #:50

Exhibit A
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 2 of 16 Page ID #:51
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 3 of 16 Page ID #:52
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 4 of 16 Page ID #:53
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 5 of 16 Page ID #:54
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 6 of 16 Page ID #:55
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 7 of 16 Page ID #:56
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 8 of 16 Page ID #:57
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 9 of 16 Page ID #:58
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 10 of 16 Page ID #:59
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 11 of 16 Page ID #:60
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 12 of 16 Page ID #:61
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 13 of 16 Page ID #:62
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 14 of 16 Page ID #:63
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 15 of 16 Page ID #:64
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-1 Filed 06/28/18 Page 16 of 16 Page ID #:65
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 1 of 7 Page ID #:66

Exhibit B
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 2 of 7 Page ID #:67
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 3 of 7 Page ID #:68
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 4 of 7 Page ID #:69
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 5 of 7 Page ID #:70
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 6 of 7 Page ID #:71
Case 2:18-cv-05123-RSWL-RAO Document 9-2 Filed 06/28/18 Page 7 of 7 Page ID #:72

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