IP Law Daily, PATENT NEWS: Methods and composition for cleaning pools infringed, suit alleges, (Oct 18, 2013)

By Peter Reap, J.D., LL.M.

Natural Chemistry LP, the owner of United States Patent No. 6,338,800 (the “’800 patent”), entitled "Methods and Composition Using Lanthanum For Removing Phosphates From Water," has filed suit in the federal district court in Orlando against its direct competitors Orenda Technologies, Inc. and Natural Pool Products, Inc., along with their agent and representative Harold Evans (collectively, the “defendants”), accusing them of infringing the ‘800 patent.

According to Natural Chemistry, the defendants misappropriated technology and methods disclosed in and covered by the ‘800 patent in order to create a product that competes directly with Natural Chemistry’s products. Further, in addition to selling infringing products and inducing others to use infringing products, the defendants are disparaging and defaming Natural Chemistry and its products throughout the industry and to its customers.

Natural Chemistry contends that Orenda and its principal, Harold Evans, are manufacturing, offering for sale, and selling pool products, including at least their CV-600 and CV-700, as well as other products produced in bulk and designated for resale, that infringe the '800 patent. Natural Pool Products, both in the past and/or currently, is offering for sale, and/or selling pool products, including at least "Naturally Pure Enzyme Cleaner & Phosphate Remover," that infringe the '800 Patent. Both Orenda and Natural Pool Products also induce infringement and commits contributory infringement of the '800 patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §271 et seq., through its sales and marketing efforts, Natural Chemistry charges.

In addition to a claim for patent infringement, Natural Chemistry brings claims for breach of a settlement agreement, tortious interference, defamation, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertising. Natural chemistry seeks damages, including treble damages, injunctive relief, and its reasonable attorney fees.

The complaint in Natural Chemistry LP v. Orenda Technologies, Inc., Case No. 6:13-CV-1607-ORL-28KRS, was filed October 17, 2013.

Attorneys: Richard E. Mitchell (Gray Robinson, P.A.) for Natural Chemistry LP.

Companies: Natural Chemistry LP; Orenda Technologies, Inc.; Natural Pool Products, Inc.

News: Patent FloridaNews