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PXG vs. TaylorMade: Temporary Restraining Order Request
PXG vs. TaylorMade: Temporary Restraining Order Request
1 club head having an interior cavity filled with an elastic polymer material and having first
2 and second weights. The 203 patent covers methods for making those clubs.
3 Unfortunately, PXGs success and its patented technology are being copied by an
4 established golf club manufacturer, Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. (TaylorMade).
5 Around August 22, 2017, TaylorMade announced the launch of a new line of golf clubs
6 called the P790 irons. The P790 irons have the patented features of an interior cavity filled
7 with an elastic polymer material and with weighting below the horizontal midplane of the
8 club head, among others. TaylorMade has been promoting fitting events throughout the
9 United States, including Arizona, and intends to distribute the P790 irons in retails stores
10 on Friday, September 15. To address infringement, PXG offers the opinions of Mr. John
11 Thomas Stites (Mr. Stites), the former Director of Research and Product Development
12 for the golf division at Nike.
13 TaylorMades infringement is irreparably harming PXG and the need for immediate
14 injunctive relief is critical. TaylorMades conduct is causing PXG to suffer irreparable
15 harm in three distinct ways: (1) loss of sales and market share due to a spoiled market that
16 TaylorMade is creating; (2) lost business opportunities to fully benefit from PXGs
17 investment in the patented technology; and (3) loss of exclusivity and damage to PXGs
18 reputation as an innovator. Money damages will not fully compensate PXG for these
19 collective harms being caused by TaylorMade. And the need for timely injunctive relief is
20 immediate because TaylorMade intends to distribute its P790 irons to the public on Friday,
21 September 15. To address irreparable harm, PXG offers the opinions of Andrew Carter
22 (Mr. Carter). His opinions are supported by discussions and declarations from PXG
23 personnel: Bob Parsons (Mr. Parsons), Steven Gabbay (Gabbay), Pete Lehr (Lehr),
24 Michael Nicolette (Nicolette), and Brad Schweigert (Schweigert).
25 The balance of harms favors an injunction. Absent an injunction PXG will continue
26 to experience the irreparable harms mentioned aboveharms which money cannot fully
27 remedy. PXG is still a young company in an early growth phase and the only iron PXG
28 sells is the 0311 iron series. By comparison, the P790 iron is one of many irons offered by
1 TaylorMade, including for example, M1, M2, P730, P750, P770, M CGB, and Psi irons.
2 And, even if enjoined, TaylorMade could still sell its other irons, so the hardship then
3 would be TaylorMades inability to infringe the 336 and 203 patents. Lastly, the public
4 interest favors the enforcement of PXGs patent rights against infringers like TaylorMade,
5 thereby allowing PXG to protect the fruits of its laborits patents and 0311 irons.
6 Absent immediate assistance from this Court, TaylorMade will continue
7 inappropriately competing head-to-head with PXG by infringing its patents and causing
8 irreparable harm. Accordingly, under 35 U.S.C. 283, this Court should issue a temporary
9 restraining order and preliminary injunction to enjoin TaylorMade from infringing the 336
10 and 203 patents until this Court concludes a trial on the merits and post-trial briefing.
11 I. STATEMENT OF FACTS
A. PXG Quickly Emerges as an Industry Leader and Revolutionizes Golf
12
Club Design By Creating the 0311 Irons
13 PXG was founded by local entrepreneur and innovator Mr. Parsons in September
14 2014.1 At that time, as an avid golfer and student of golf club equipment, Mr. Parsons was
15 frustrated by the lack of innovation with golf club iron technology then-available on the
16 market.2 Rather than continue using inferior golf clubs sold in the market, Mr. Parsons
17 decided to become the catalyst for innovation and founded PXG.
18 Contemporaneously, Mr. Parsons hired two former golf club designers from PING,
19 Nicolette and Schweigert.3 Together, their collective objective was to design and build a
20 game-changing iron that outperformed any iron on the market. That iron needed to look
21 like a blade, be more forgiving than a cavity-back iron, produce a longer, straighter, and
22 higher ball trajectory, and provide the golfer with better feel. But unlike many mass-
23 produced club competitors, this design team had an unlimited budget and no timeline.
24 PXGs goal was and is still to make and sell high performance clubs at whatever cost.
25
26
1
Declaration of Bob Parsons (Parsons Decl.) at 1-7.
27 2
Parsons Decl. at 8.
28 3
Parsons Decl. at 9.
1 hollow interior cavity filled with SpeedFoam, purportedly a polyurethane material, and
2 an ultra-thin face.9 The P790 irons also have an exterior weight port, through which the
3 polyurethane material is injected into the interior cavity, and a screw weighta first
4 weight.10 The interior cavity also has an interior tungsten weight (i.e., a second weight)
5 residing in an interior weight port on the inside back portion of the club head below the
6 horizontal midplane.11 TaylorMade considers these combination of features in the P790
7 irons as The Holy Grail.12 Yet, those features are claimed by the 336 and 203 patents.
8 On August 22, 2017, TaylorMade announced its intention to begin offering for sale
9 and selling the P790 irons.13 For example, TaylorMade has offered to sell the P790 irons
10 in retails stores such as the PGA Super Store.14 TaylorMade has also promoted on its
11 website that consumers may pre-order the P790 irons with an expected in stock date of
12 September 15.15 Further, TaylorMade recently offered the P790 irons at a fitting event
13 on September 9, at Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale, Arizona, where
14 customers were allowed to select and be fitted for the P790 irons with delivery on or after
15 September 15.16 Absent an injunction these activities will continue.
16 II. PRELIMINARILY ENJOINING TAYLORMADE IS APPROPRIATE
17 A. The TRO and Preliminary Injunction Standards in Patent Cases
18 The Patent Act empowers this Court with broad discretion to enjoin TaylorMade.
19 See 35 U.S.C. 283. PXG is entitled to an injunction because it establishes below (1) a
20 likelihood of success on the merits that TaylorMades P790 irons infringe the 336 and
21
9
22 Leavitt Decl. at Exhibits A-B, E-G; see also video posted at
http://taylormadegolf.com/p790-irons-p-series.html
23 10
Leavitt Decl. at Exhibits A-B, E-G.
11
24 Leavitt Decl. at Exhibits A-B, E-G.
12
Leavitt Decl. at Exhibit B.
25 13
Leavitt Decl. at Exhibits A.
26 14
See, e.g., http://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/taylormade-p790.jsp
15
27 See, e.g., http://taylormadegolf.com/P790-Irons/DW-WZ711.html?icid=hp-p790-
pre-order
28 16
See, e.g., http://taylormadegolf.com/p790-fitting-events.html
1 203 patents, (2) that PXG will continue to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of
2 preliminary relief, (3) the equitable balance strongly favors PXG over TaylorMade, and (4)
3 the publics interest in entering an injunction and enforcing PXGs patent rights. Garcia v.
4 Google, Inc., 786 F.3d 733, 740 (9th Cir. 2015) (citing Winter v. Nat. Res. Def. Council,
5 Inc., 555 U.S. 7, 9 (2008)). The four-factor test applies to disputes arising under the Patent
6 Act. eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C., 547 U.S. 388, 390 (2006).
7 This Circuit employs a sliding scale analysis, where serious questions going to the
8 merits and a hardship balance that tips sharply toward the plaintiff can support issuance of
9 an injunction, assuming the other two elements of the Winter test are also met. Drake
10 Bay Oyster Co. v. Jewell, 747 F.3d 1073, 1078 (9th Cir. 2013). The standard for issuing a
11 temporary restraining order is identical to the standard for issuing a preliminary
12 injunction. Lockheed Missile & Space Co., Inc v. Hughes Aircraft Co., 887 F. Supp.
13 1320, 1323 (N.D. Cal. 1995).
14
B. PXG Is Highly Likely to Prevail on Infringement
15
1. The Evidence Establishes that the 336 and 203 Patents Are
16 Valid and Infringed by TaylorMade
17 To establish a likelihood of success on the merits PXG need only demonstrate a
18 reasonable probability of prevailing on its claim for patent infringement. See H.H.
19 Robertson Co. v. United Steel Deck, 820 F.2d 384, 390 (Fed. Cir. 1987). To prevail on
20 infringement, PXG must show (1) ownership of the 336 and 203 patents17, and (2) that
21 TaylorMade infringes those patents. See 35 U.S.C. 271. Here, PXG will likely prevail,
23 of offering for sale, selling, making, using, and importing the P790 irons infringes at least
24 claim 16 of the 336 patent and at least claim 15 of the 203 patent.
25
26
27
17
Assignment records located at the PTO reel/frame 034345/0569 and 034999/0468
28 demonstrate that PXG owns the 336 and 203 patents. See Leavitt Decl. at Exhibits J-K.
1 and (3) loss of exclusivity and damage to reputation as an innovator. And money damages
2 will not fully compensate PXG for these collective harms caused by TaylorMade.
3 1. TaylorMade is Creating a Spoiled Market, Causing PXG to
Suffer Lost Sales and Market Share
4
To begin, PXG will suffer loss of sales and market share because TaylorMade is
5
spoiling the market.20 According to PXGs damages expert, Mr. Carter, PXG has been
6
widely credited with expanding the luxury golf market which created a change in the
7
entire landscape of the golf equipment industry, commonly referred to as The PXG
8
Effect. PXGs creation of the 0311 iron that delivered superior performance enabled
9
PXG to attract the same avid golfers targeted by traditional golf equipment companies like
10
TaylorMade.21 And PXG was able to price its clubs as a luxury golf product. Absent the
11
P790 iron, PXG has been able to enjoy monopoly pricing due to increasing demand for the
12
0311 iron and PXGs growing brand reputation. Even though PXGs clubs cost more to
13
make than conventional clubs, PXGs averaged price point per 0311 iron at $325 is two to
14
three times higher than the average price point for conventional irons at $125-$150. That
15
sustainable pricing has enabled competitors to increase their price ceiling up to $150-$175.
16
For example, Callaway and Titleist have introduced premium concept irons at $250/iron.
17
Prior to PXG and its 0311 iron, these prices would have been highly unusual.
18
Despite the overall decline in the golf market, the change in consumer spending
19
habits was caused by PXGs ability to attract avid golfers away from mainstream club
20
manufacturers at a significantly higher price and earn measurable market shareall in just
21
two years.22 By comparison, since PXGs entrance into the market, other competitors have
22
experienced a declining market such as TaylorMade, Titleist, and PING.
23
Although golfers generally consider a variety of factors when making a purchasing
24
decision, technology-driven performance (e.g., distance, forgiveness, and sweet spot) are
25
26
20
Declaration of Andrew W. Carter (Carter Declaration) at 60-84.
27 21
Carter Declaration at 62-64 & Figure 6.
28 22
Carter Declaration at 65 & Figure 7.
1 paramount.23 Such technology provides a competitive advantage and will dominate sales
2 and capture market share. The sale of PXGs 0311 iron evinces the impact of having
3 patented technology. And that patented technology has enabled PXG to gain a presence
4 with Tour professionals, such as Zach Johnson, Billy Horschel, and Lydia Ko.24
5 PXGs rapid expansion into the premium iron market can be attributed to the
6 superior performance by the 0311 ironsand the technology behind that performance is
7 protected by its patents.25 The key differentiator to PXGs technology is the patented
8 construction of injecting a material called thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE) into the
9 interior cavity of the body, which not only supports the ultra-thin club face, but also takes
10 mass out of the face and redistributes it elsewhere, improving the moment of inertia (MOI)
11 and center of gravity (CG), while also improving sound and feel.
12 Likewise, TaylorMade considers a key differentiator in its P790 irons over
13 conventional clubs to be the Speedfoam (i.e., a polyurethane material), an injectable
14 vibration dampening material within the interior cavity of the body. 26 That material also
15 provides structural support to the P790s thin face upon impact. Another differentiator is
16 the strategically-placed tungsten weight which purportedly provides increased MOI and
17 forgiveness. At present, TaylorMade is the only other competitor who is selling a hollow-
18 body iron claiming to have the same technology as PXGs 0311 irons. Now PXG is in a
19 two-horse race with TaylorMade, where it must compete against its own technology.27
20 Industry pundits have already recognized PXGs unfair situation.28
21 But with TaylorMade selling its P790 irons at approximately $162 per club,
22 compared to PXGs 0311 irons at $300 to $350 per club, while touting the same
23
24 23
Carter Declaration at 66-67.
25 24
Carter Declaration at 68.
25
26 Carter Declaration at 67-69.
26
Carter Declaration at 70-74.
27 27
Carter Declaration at 75.
28 28
Leavitt Decl. at Exhibits C-G.
1 the world.39 And TaylorMade competes with PXG for these partnerships, ones which
2 provide significant and valuable marketing exposure.
3 But TaylorMades P790 irons being in the market jeopardizes PXGs opportunities
4 to pursue these partnerships, despite our players seeking out PXG and exploring
5 partnership opportunities due to its patented technology and reputation as an innovator.40
6 Such a situation would cause a bidding war, with sponsorship prices rising. According to
7 Mr. Carter, TaylorMades infringement will diminish PXGs ability to use innovations
8 (i.e., the 0311 irons) to distinguish itself from TaylorMade and other competitors. An
9 injunction would likely enhance PXGs ability to maintain its current relationships with
10 Tour players and establish new ones. Absent an injunction, such relationships will be
11 hindered. Were PXG to lose a significant number of sponsorships, those consumers who
12 would be influenced by or otherwise consider the number of Tour players who play PXGs
13 clubs might elect to purchase a competitors clubs. But no monetary remedy is available to
14 PXG for such lost sponsorship opportunities.
15 Finally, TaylorMades P790 irons would harm PXGs reputation as an innovator.41
16 The technology that drives the superior performance of the 0311 irons is visible on the
17 club itself, for example, the weight portions below the horizontal midplane of the club
18 head. Other technical features are not readily visible, but highly advertised and touted by
19 PXG, are the thin face and interior cavity filled with an elastic polymer material called
20 TPE. Yet, with the P790 irons having the same combination of technical features as the
21 0311 iron, according to Mr. Carter, PXGs ability to use the patented technology to
22 distinguish its brand from TaylorMade and other potential infringers will be limited. PXG
23 will be unable to realize the reputational benefits as an innovator. In fact, due to its size
24 and market share, there is a real risk that TaylorMade will be credited with PXGs
25 innovation. Put another way, the public would likely believe that whatever innovations
26
39
Carter Declaration at 93-94.
27 40
Carter Declaration at 95-98.
28 41
Carter Declaration at 99-101.
1 PXG once touted were not that significant, because if they were significant, innovative,
2 and patent-worthy, then TaylorMade would not be able to use it. Thus, no available
3 monetary remedies will fully compensate PXG for the type of harm to reputation and
4 goodwill caused by TaylorMade.
5 D. The Balance of Hardships Between the Parties Heavily Favors PXG
6 As between TaylorMade and PXG, the balance of hardships tips in PXGs favor.
7 Rodeo Collection, Ltd v. West Seventh, 812 F.2d 1215, 1217 (9th Cir. 1987). Although
8 PXG will continue to be irreparably damaged if TaylorMade is not preliminarily enjoined
9 from offering the P790 irons, the only hardship TaylorMade faces is its inability to
10 infringe PXGs patents. TaylorMade assumed the risk when it copied PXGs patented
11 technology and began selling the P790 irons. So TaylorMade cannot now complain about
12 the effects of an injunction as a result of its deliberate and wrongful conduct. A&E Prods.
13 Group, Inc. v. California Supply, 28 U.S.P.Q.2d 1041, 1048 (C.D. Cal. 1993). Besides,
14 the harm TaylorMade faces is easily calculated, purely monetary, and protectable by a
15 bond. PPG Indus., Inc. v. Guardian Indus. Corp., 75 F.3d 1558, 1567 (Fed. Cir. 1996).
16 And TaylorMade may continue to sell other products, including for example, M1, M2,
17 P730, P750, P770, M CGB, and Psi irons.
18 But the harm to PXG continues to be severe, long-lasting with many incalculable
19 components. Sanofi-Synthelabo v. Apotex, Inc., 470 F.3d 1368, 1383 (Fed. Cir. 2006).
20 And PXG should not have to compete against its own patented technology. Metalcraft of
21 Mayville, Inc. v. Toro Co., 848 F.3d 1358, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2017). Mr. Carter agrees.42
22 Accordingly, on balance, any harm resulting from removal of TaylorMades P790 irons
23 from the market is far outweighed by PXGs immediate, irreversible harm.
24 E. Granting an Injunction Now Furthers the Publics Interest
25 Finally, public interest weighs in favor of granting injunctive relief in light of the
26 strong public policy favoring the enforcement of patent rights. PPG, 75 F.3d at 1567.
27
28 42
Carter Declaration at 102-104 & Figure 11.
1 More importantly, given PXGs likelihood of success on the merits, the public interest lies
2 in protecting PXGs patents. A&E Prods., 28 U.S.P.Q.2d at 1049. Without the power to
3 enter injunctions for patent infringement, patents would be valueless. Smith International,
4 Inc. v. Hughes Tools Co., 718 F.2d 1577-78 (Fed. Cir. 1983). Thus, granting injunctive
5 relief and enforcing PXGs patent rights to exclude TaylorMade will protect the fruits of
6 PXGs labornamely, its patents and the 0311 irons. Conversely, there is no
7 countervailing public interest in allowing TaylorMade to continue infringing PXGs
8 patents. To be sure, the public will not suffer the inability to purchase golf clubs, because
9 PXGs 0311 irons and TaylorMades other irons will remain on the market.
10 III. Requested Relief
11 Having satisfied the Supreme Courts four-part eBay test by a reasonable
12 probability, PXG requests that this Court issue a temporary restraining order and
13 preliminary injunction under 28 U.S.C. 283 to enjoin TaylorMade from the following:
14 (1) Making any P790 irons or substantially similar irons that violate the 336
15 and/or 203 patents;
16 (2) Offering to sell, marketing or selling any P790 irons or substantially similar
17 irons that violate the 336 and/or 203 patents;
18 (3) Servicing, repairing, and/or exchanging any P790 irons or substantially
19 similar irons that violate the 336 and/or 203 patents; and
20 (4) Requiring that TaylorMade remove any P790 irons or substantially similar
21 irons that violates the 336 and/or 203 patents from use by any third-party.
22 DATED this 12th day of September, 2017.
23 LOEB & LOEB LLP
24 By /s/ Adam G. Kelly
Adam G. Kelly (IL 6277772)
25 (Pro Hac Vice to be filed)
William J. Voller III (IL 6287608)
26 (Pro Hac Vice to be filed)
John A. Cotiguala (IL 6311056)
27 (Pro Hac Vice to be filed)
321 North Clark Street, Suite 2300
28 Chicago, Illinois 60654
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