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Benebone v. Pet Qwerks - Complaint
Benebone v. Pet Qwerks - Complaint
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 2 of 34 Page ID #:2
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 3 of 34 Page ID #:3
1 and the “Flavorit BarkBone” that knocks off another popular Benebone design (the
2 “Accused Products”). In addition to selling a product that infringes on Benebone’s
3 patents, Pet Qwerks has imitated Benebone’s product packaging, design, and marketing
4 materials in a scheme to deceive consumers and distort the marketplace. Pet Qwerks
5 has done this with an aim of injuring Benebone while increasing its own revenues.
6 7. Benebone sought to avoid litigation and resolve this matter amicably, and
7 it has written to Defendant in an effort to do so, but the parties were unable to resolve
8 the dispute. Benebone now brings this civil action to enforce its rights and protect its
9 brand, alleging claims for patent infringement, trade dress infringement, and violations
10 of California statutory and common law.
11 THE PARTIES
12 8. Plaintiff Benebone is a limited liability company organized and existing
13 under the laws of the State of Connecticut, with its principal place of business located
14 at 207 Meadow Road, Edison, NJ 08817.
15 9. On information and belief, Pet Qwerks is a corporation organized and
16 existing under the laws of California, with its principal place of business located at 9
17 Studebaker Dr., Irvine, CA 92618.
18 JURISDICTION AND VENUE
19 10. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (federal
20 question), 28 U.S.C. § 1332 (diversity of citizenship), 28 U.S.C. § 1338(a) (civil action
21 arising under any Act of Congress relating to patents), and 15 U.S.C. § 1121 (any
22 action arising under the Lanham Act), 28 U.S.C. § 1338(b) (action asserting claim of
23 unfair competition joined with a substantial and related claim under the trademark
24 laws). This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims
25 under 28 U.S.C. §1367 because the claims are so related to Benebone’s claims under
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 4 of 34 Page ID #:4
1 federal law that they derive from a common nucleus of operative fact and form part of
2 the same case or controversy.
3 11. This Court has general and specific personal jurisdiction over Defendant
4 in this case because Defendant is a California corporation, maintains its principal place
5 of business in this judicial district, and on information and belief, has committed and
6 continues to commit acts of patent infringement and false advertising/implied passing
7 off within this judicial district.
8 12. Either directly, or through its agents and/or affiliates, Defendant has
9 conducted and continues to conduct substantial and routine business in this judicial
10 district, including, on information and belief, by marketing, offering to sell, and/or
11 selling infringing products in this judicial district and/or committing false
12 advertising/implied passing off within this judicial district.
13 13. Defendant’s acts have caused injury to Plaintiff within this judicial
14 district.
15 14. Venue is proper in the Central District of California under the general
16 federal venue statute, 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b), (c), and (d) because, among other reasons,
17 Defendant is organized and existing under the laws of the State of California, maintains
18 a physical place of business in this judicial district, and on information and belief, has
19 committed acts of patent infringement and/or false advertising/implied passing off
20 within this judicial district. In addition, and in the alternative, venue is proper in this
21 judicial district under the specific venue provision relating to patent infringement cases,
22 28 U.S.C. § 1400(b) because Defendants have committed acts of infringement in this
23 judicial district.
24 PATENTS-IN-SUIT
25 15. On December 17, 2019, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office duly and
26 legally issued the ’400 Patent entitled “Pet Chew Toy.” A true and correct copy of the
27 ’400 Patent is attached as Exhibit A.
28 16. The ʼ400 Patent is valid and enforceable.
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 5 of 34 Page ID #:5
1 17. Benebone is the lawful owner by assignment of all rights, title and interest
2 in and to the ’400 Patent, possesses all rights of recovery under the ’400 Patent, and
3 has standing to sue for infringement of the ’400 Patent.
4 18. On December 31, 2019, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office duly and
5 legally issued the ’686 Patent entitled “Pet Chew Toy.” A true and correct copy of the
6 ʼ686 Patent is attached as Exhibit B.
7 19. The ʼ686 Patent is valid and enforceable.
8 20. Benebone is the lawful owner by assignment of all rights, title and interest
9 in and to the ʼ686 Patent, possesses all rights of recovery under the ʼ686 Patent, and
10 has standing to sue for infringement of the ʼ686 Patent.
11 FACTUAL BACKGROUND
12 A. Benebone’s “Dogma”
13 21. Benebone is a family-owned dog toy business that was established in
14 2012. After spending a year on the design of a single product, the curved wishbone,
15 Benebone sold its first chew toy in 2013. As dog owners and lovers, the Benebone
16 family has always been driven to produce toys that dogs will love, while being
17 responsible members of the dog owning community.
18 22. There are seven pillars to Benebone’s corporate ethos, which it refers to
19 as its “Dogma.” 1
20 • Focus on Delighting Dogs
21 • Be Valuable to Pet Parents
22 • Practice Good Business
23 • Nothing but the Best
24 • Demonstrate Generosity
25 • Stay Playful
26 • Be Human
27 1
Benebone | OUR “DOGMA” (2020). Available at:
28 https://www.benebone.com/our-dogma/ (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 6 of 34 Page ID #:6
1 23. Everything Benebone does, and every product it designs and sells, is
2 driven by these seven principles. To demonstrate generosity, Benebone has planted
3 deep roots in its communities and participates in events and philanthropy to further
4 support causes that are important to Benebone and its growing base of consumers. To
5 be human, Benebone has kept its small family business feel, while growing into a major
6 participant in the industry in only a few years.
7 24. Several of these principles drive the design and manufacture of
8 Benebone’s dog toys. To focus on delighting dogs, Benebone seeks to design unique
9 but simple products dogs will love. Specifically, Benebone’s design elements
10 revolutionized dog chew toys as they focused on a clean, modern design. Benebone’s
11 irregular and modern designs are instantly recognizable and are inseparable from the
12 brand itself.
13 25. Practicing good business and providing “nothing but the best” means that
14 Benebone only uses the highest quality materials. All Benebone products are made
15 with USA-sourced nylon and flavored with USA-sourced real ingredients—real
16 peanuts, white meat chicken, or bacon.
17 26. Benebone manufactures all of its products in several factories in New
18 York and has been lauded for manufacturing its products in the U.S.A., in part because
19 American-made goods are particularly sought after in the highly-competitive dog toy
20 market.2 According to industry publications, “[w]hen it comes to dog treats and chews,
21 owners these days value American-made, ethically sourced and sustainable products
22 made by manufacturers that are transparent about their production processes” like
23 Benebone.3
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26 2
Solid Sourcing Required (2018). Available at:
27 http://www.petproductnews.com/December-2018/Solid-Sourcing-Required/
(Accessed: April 29, 2020).
3
28 Id.
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 7 of 34 Page ID #:7
1 27. Consumer preferences align neatly with Benebone’s “Dogma,” which has
2 led to a massive expansion of the Benebone brand in just a few years since its inception.
3 Benebone’s dog toys are sold throughout the United States in retail locations from coast
4 to coast, including independent pet stores, as well as larger retailers, including Pet
5 Smart and Petco. Benebone also sells its products through online retailers, including
6 Amazon and Chewy.
7 B. Benebone’s Widely-Praised Product Design
8 28. Benebone has been lauded for its unique design and approach. Each toy
9 begins with a simple directive: create something that dogs will love. Benebone’s
10 designs are the result of a time-consuming and resource-intensive process that requires
11 the coordination of designers, manufacturing, and marketing staff.
12 29. Benebone revolutionized dog toy design with its curved Wishbone in
13 2013. Most dog toys on the market at the time were flat, and Benebone’s patented
14 curved Wishbone design marked a new era in design. Benebone continued this concept
15 with the curved Dental Chew, a figure-8 shaped product. The Maplestick’s design
16 followed on this market-leading concept, with a modern, linear design with non-tapered
17 cylindrical nubs on each end oriented to ensure the product never lay flat on the ground.
18 30. All of Benebone’s designs are modern and artistic, making them instantly
19 recognizable by product design alone. These designs make up a portion of Benebone’s
20 trade dress and have become inseparable from the brand itself.
21 31. There are several design elements that make the Benebone’s brand unique
22 and instantly recognizable. First, its designs are shaped to never sit flat on the surface,
23 and include arcs that add to the visual appeal of the products. While a simple concept,
24 this design element was revolutionary when introduced, paving the way for substantial
25 market penetration in just a few years. Second, Benebone’s designs are modern and
26 intentionally distant from the natural element they mimic. For example, although the
27 curved Wishbone vaguely resembles a bone, its modern design elements make it
28 immediately recognizable that it is not, in fact, a real bone.
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 8 of 34 Page ID #:8
1 32. The Maplestick is a clear example of this design language; while its
2 modern and clean design takes cues from sticks, it intentionally does not look like an
3 actual stick. There are several key design features at work here. First, the main portion
4 of the Maplestick is dead-straight, unlike a real stick. Second, it has equal branches at
5 both ends, unlike a real stick. Third, the branches at each end are terminated in a
6 cylindrical way, which is not found in a natural stick. Before the Maplestick was
7 introduced, there were several other stick-themed products, most notably the Petstages
8 Dogwood Stick Chew Toy and the Nylabone Stick Chew. (Petstages and Nylabone
9 are two of the largest brands in this category who have been in existence for decades.)
10 The below images illustrate where stick chew toy design was before Benebone arrived
11 on the scene. Both designs were relatively flat and both were intended to resemble real
12 sticks. Benebone’s modern Maplestick design turned this concept on its head. 4
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21 33. Benebone’s designs are a family of top sellers: the Wishbone, Dental
22 Chew, Maplestick / Bacon Stick, and Zaggler, all shown below5:
23
24 4
On the left is: Strong Chew Real Wood Stick Chew Toy, Maple Bacon | Nylabone
25 (2020). Available at: https://www.nylabone.com/products/product-type/chew-
toys/strong-chew/strong-chew-real-wood-stick-toy (Accessed: April 29, 2020). On
26 the right is: Dogwood (2020). Available at:
https://petstages.outwardhound.com/dogwood-by-petstage.html (Accessed: April 29,
27 2020).
5
Benebone | Our Products (2020). Available at: https://www.benebone.com/products/
28 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 9 of 34 Page ID #:9
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7 34. Benebone’s trade dress in its Maplestick / Bacon Stick includes the design
8 elements shown and discussed in this Complaint, including, but not limited to:
9 a. brown color;
10 b. curved shape;
11 c. nubs in a Y shape at one end, juxtaposed with nubs at the other end such
12 that the bone sits on a flat surface creating a distinctive look with at least
13 one nub pointing upward and most or all of the elongated portion of the
14 bone not touching the flat surface;
15 d. cylindrical nubs;
16 e. non-tapered nubs;
17 f. nubs with flat ends;
18 g. nubs that are roughly 1/3 or less of the length of the shaft of the bone,
19 giving an elongated overall appearance;
20 h. a textured look;
21 i. cardboard packaging that surrounds the center of the product;
22 j. use of white and green in product packaging;
23 k. made in the USA logo; and
24 l. “real bacon” flavor.
25 (hereinafter, the “Asserted Trade Dress”).
26 35. Benebone’s Wishbone is also encompassed within the same family of
27 trade dress as the Maplestick / Bacon Stick and carries much of the same Asserted
28
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 10 of 34 Page ID #:10
1 Trade Dress, with additional protected trade dress, including a unique curve that allows
2 it to sit off a flat surface and uniquely-shaped nubs on its ends.
3 36. Benebone’s designs are a unique and clear identifier of the brand. In
4 contrast, its competitors have hundreds or thousands of SKUs without a common
5 design language or common elements. Nylabone and Petstages are two of the biggest
6 brands in the category. Nylabone, has products shaped like bones, antlers, rings,
7 dinosaurs, pigs, rawhide, blocks of cheese, baby toys, plush toys and more. Nylabone
8 also sells products in other categories like toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental wipes
9 and sprays, finger brushes and tartar remover. 6
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21 37. Similarly, Petstages has no consistent design ethos. Its product line
22 includes sticks, antlers, bones, rawhide, vegetables, balls, disc flyers, plush toys, baby
23 toys, and more. Petstages also sells cat toys, cat scratchers, as shown below. 7
24
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26 6
Shop Dog Chew Toys, Edibles & Dental Products at Nylabone (2020). Available at:
27 https://www.nylabone.com/products (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
7
Petstages Home (2020). Available at: https://petstages.outwardhound.com/
28 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 11 of 34 Page ID #:11
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11 38. These brands’ products span across a wide range of materials, colors,
12 sizes, shapes, and design elements.
13 39. By contrast, Benebone designs only a single category of dog toys—and
14 within that category—only four core designs. The designs are simple, modern, clean,
15 and symmetrical. These limited unique and cohesive designs have become instantly
16 recognizable as a family and have become inseparable from the Benebone brand. The
17 Maplestick / Bacon Stick is one of these key designs.
18 40. Leading popular publications have praised Benebone’s products,
19 including NBC’s Today Show, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, and Bustle.
20 41. For example, Bustle listed Benebone first on its list of “The 14 Best Chew
21 Toys For Dogs.” 8 Bustle specifically praised the Benebone toy for its “unique” design
22 and because “it actually smells and tastes like bacon.” Cosmopolitan included
23 Benebone on its list of “26 Gifts Every Dog Mom Should Buy ASAP,” and writer
24
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26 8
14 Durable Dog Toys That Stand Up To Even The Toughest Chewers (2019).
27 Available at: https://www.bustle.com/p/the-14-best-chew-toys-for-dogs-19271982
(Accessed: April 29, 2020).
28
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 12 of 34 Page ID #:12
1 Carina Hsieh said “[m]y dog legit goes bananas for” the Benebone toy. 9 Woman’s Day
2 also praised Benebone’s design in its article on “15 Indestructible Dog Toys to
3 Challenge Tough Chewers.”10
4 42. NBC’s Today Show has also heaped praise on Benebone’s design, saying:
5 If dogs could type, this made-in-America chew toy would have
6 twice as many Amazon reviews (currently 6,500 with a 4.3-star
7 rating). The key to its popularity among dogs is the winning
8 combination of good design, it ‘rocks to easily position a
9 comfortable chewing session,’ and quality ingredients. It’s
10 flavored with food-grade bacon, chicken and peanut butter. Dog
11 owners appreciate its durability. One reviewer says his two dogs
12 chew on theirs 8 to 10 hours a day, yet the bones have lasted four
13 months! 11
14 43. Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick have also received significant praise
15 for their design. For example, Bustle lauded Benebone’s Maplestick for its “ridges and
16 curves” on its list of “37 Genius Pet Products That Must Have Been Invented By A
17 Dog Whisperer.”12 INVERSE included Benebone’s Maplestick in its article, “4 Best
18 Indestructible Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers,” calling it “clever” and praising its
19
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21 9
Gifts Every Dog Owner Needs to Buy ASAP (2019). Available at:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/g25381745/dog-gifts/ (Accessed: April 29,
22 2020).
10
23 15 Indestructible Dog Toys for Your Tough Chewer (2019). Available at:
https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/g26763903/most-indestructible-dog-toys/
24 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
11
Celebrate National Dog Day with 14 dog-approved favorites (2018). Available at:
25 https://www.today.com/pets/celebrate-national-dog-day-14-dog-approved-favorites-
t135954 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
26 12
37 Genius Pet Products That Must Have Been Invented By A Dog Whisperer
27 (2020). Available at: https://www.bustle.com/p/37-genius-pet-products-that-must-
have-been-invented-by-a-dog-whisperer-21771555 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
28
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 13 of 34 Page ID #:13
1 “shape.” 13
2 44. Benebone’s use of real bacon flavor in its toys, a part of its Asserted Trade
3 Dress, is a key differentiator in its segment of the market. At the time Benebone
4 introduced its real bacon flavoring, no other brand used real bacon as flavoring in a
5 nylon dog chew toy. Benebone’s use of real bacon flavor was and remains a material
6 part of Benebone’s branding. Benebone prominently promotes its use of “REAL
7 BACON” on its product packaging, its website, marketing materials, and online
8 retailers Amazon and Chewy. Benebone has also registered and applied for several
9 trademarks that refer to its use of real bacon flavor. 14
10 45. For the reasons discussed above, Benebone’s products are well-received
11 by customers. According to Romper, Benebone is “praised so highly by buyers.”15
12 Benebone’s products are highly sought after in both traditional retail and online
13 markets. For example, an article run in industry publication Pet Product News in 2019
14 noted that Benebone products were a top seller at an independent pet store. 16
15 Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick have a 4.5/5 average review with more than
16 1,900 customer reviews on Amazon.com. 17
17
18
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19 The Best Dog Toys For Heavy Chewers (2019). Available at:
https://www.inverse.com/article/59276-best-dog-toys-aggressive-chewers (Accessed:
20 April 29, 2020).
14
U.S. Reg. No. 5,613,742; U.S. App. 88/798,687.
21 15
Your Chew-Happy Doggo Will Love These 15 Toys Even More Than Your Shoes
22 (2019). Available at: https://www.romper.com/p/15-toys-for-dogs-who-chew-
everything-because-youre-about-to-run-out-of-shoes-18668902 (Accessed: April
23 29, 2020).
16
Dogs Rule at This North Carolina Pet Store (2019). Available at:
24 http://www.petproductnews.com/Blog/Dogs-Rule-at-This-North-Carolina-Pet-
Store/ (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
25 17
Benebone Maplestick/Bacon Stick Real Wood Durable Dog Chew Toy (2020)
26 Amazon.com. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Benebone-Maplestick-
Durable-Stick-Large/dp/B07F6WYYJ5/ref=sr 1 1?dchild=1&keywords
27 =benebone%2Bmaplestick&qid=1587494923&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1&th=1
(Accessed: April 29, 2020).
28
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 14 of 34 Page ID #:14
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 15 of 34 Page ID #:15
1 include balls, antlers, ropes, tires, rings, rawhide, sticks, ropes, bubbles, plush toys and
2 hockey pucks. Examples of Pet Qwerks’s products, packaging, and design are below:
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14 51. In March 2017, Benebone’s CEO received a call from a customer telling
15 him that he should talk to Pet Qwerks. This customer suggested to Benebone that Pet
16 Qwerks may be for sale. Benebone’s CEO spoke to Pet Qwerks’s VP of Sales but did
17 not make any offer to associate with Pet Qwerks or to purchase Pet Qwerks or any of
18 its business lines. Benebone chose not to follow up with Pet Qwerks’s founder, whose
19 contact information was provided subsequent to the call.
20 52. Pet Qwerks was not a major competitor in the same market segments as
21 Benebone at the time and was primarily selling dog balls, rubber tire products, and a
22 line of chew toys called “Flavorit” with the purpose of smearing peanut butter or other
23 food in its holes.
24 53. According to Pet Qwerks’ product catalogs, the vast majority of Pet
25 Qwerks’s products at the time were not manufactured in the U.S. and it did not use
26 natural bacon flavoring. None of their products had modern or curved design elements
27 20
Products (2020). Available at: https://shop.petqwerks.com/collections/all/
28 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 17 of 34 Page ID #:17
1 57. Pet Qwerks’ marketing materials used on its social media pages also
2 demonstrate that the overall look of the infringing BarkBone Stick is confusingly
3 similar to Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick: 22
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16 58. Upon information and belief, Pet Qwerks has posted these marketing
17 photos on its social media accounts with the intent to deceive customers and potential
18 customers into believing that its infringing BarkBone Stick is the same as or associated
19 with Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick, based on the products appearing nearly
20 identical in these images.
21 59. Pet Qwerks uses images on its website that show the infringing BarkBone
22 Stick in a vertical orientation that also emphasizes the apparent similarities with
23 Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick, and, upon information and belief, are intended
24
25 https://petqwerks.com/product/barkbone-stick-peanut-butter-flavor-dog-chew-toy-
made-in-usa/ (Accessed: April 30, 2020).
26 On right: (2020) Amazon.com. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Benebone-
27 Maplestick-Durable-Stick-Medium/dp/B07F6VB2KW (Accessed: April 30, 2020).
22
Pet Qwerks Toys (2020). Available at: https://www.facebook.com/petqwerks/
28 (Accessed on April 30, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 18 of 34 Page ID #:18
1 to deceive consumers into believe that the products are associated and/or one in the
2 same.
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12 60. Pet Qwerks uses other advertising that not only emphasizes the similarity
13 of its products to Benebone’s, but also presents them similarly, deceiving customers.
14 Pet Qwerks products are often presented without packaging on the internet, both on
15 internet retail sites such as www.amazon.com and in social media and lifestyle photos.
16 For example, the images below show Benebone’s advertising material that shows the
17 Maplestick / Bacon Stick in a pile of toys (left), and Pet Qwerks’ newer advertising
18 that similarly displays its infringing product in a pile (right):23
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26 23
BarkBone Stick Peanut Butter Flavor Infused Dog Chew, Made in USA (2019).
27 Available at:
https://www.facebook.com/138290592915913/videos/1586436031492395/
28 (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 19 of 34 Page ID #:19
1 61. The look and feel of the Pet Qwerks BarkBone Stick packaging is also
2 confusingly similar to the packaging for Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick that is a
3 part of Benebone’s Asserted Trade Dress. Both packages utilize minimal carboard that
4 surrounds the center of the brown dog toy, which prominently displays the similarities
5 in the products. Pet Qwerks’s packaging makes significant use of green and white –
6 the same color pallet used by Benebone.
7 62. The packaging for both Benebone and Pet Qwerks also prominently
8 displays the American flag and Made in USA label, which is a significant driver of
9 sales.24 Pet Qwerks also now sells its BarkBone in a “REAL BACON” flavor. As
10 shown below, Pet Qwerks uses the confusingly similar term and “REAL BACON”
11 branding on its product packaging (Pet Qwerks, left; Benebone, right): 25
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15 63. The Pet Qwerks BarkBone Stick is sold at many of the same and similar
16 retailers as the Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick—both in physical stores and
17 online. Pet Qwerks’ infringing BarkBone Stick typically sells for between $9 and $15
18 at retail as compared to $10 to $20 for Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick.
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25 Solid Sourcing Required (2018). Available at: http://www.petproductnews.com/
December-2018/Solid-Sourcing-Required/ (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
26 25
Left: Interactive Dog Toys, Dog Toys, Dog Chews, Cat Toys, Pet Toys (2020).
27 Available at: https://petqwerks.com/ (Accessed: April 30, 2020).
Right: Benebone | Our Products (2020). Available at:
28 https://www.benebone.com/products (Accessed: April 30, 2020).
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COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 20 of 34 Page ID #:20
1 64. Images on Amazon also show how the products are nearly identical from
2 a consumer’s perspective. Any minor variations in the products are virtually eliminated
3 when shown in use as dogs’ paws, jaws, or both inevitably partially obscure the
4 respective products. For example, Pet Qwerks’ infringing BarkBone Stick is shown on
5 the left and Benebone’s Maplestick / Bacon Stick is shown on the right:
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-20-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 21 of 34 Page ID #:21
-21-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 22 of 34 Page ID #:22
1 68. Pet Qwerks’ attempts to mimic the design language associated with
2 Benebone and deceive customers has extended beyond just the BarkBone Stick.
3 Benebone’s curved design was simple but revolutionary when it was introduced. When
4 Benebone was introduced, Pet Qwerks had a line of chew toys called “Flavorit” with
5 the purpose of smearing peanut butter or other food in its holes. These chew toys were
6 flat in design and were not found in many pet stores: 26
7
8
9
10
11
12 69. After Benebone’s introduction and success of the curved Wishbone, Pet
13 Qwerks introduced a new version of its Flavorit chews, rebranded as the “Flavorit
14 BarkBone,” with confusingly similar “real bacon” flavoring, a similar brown coloring,
15 similarly shaped nobs on its end, and curved similarly to Asserted Trade Dress of
16 Benebone’s flagship Wishbone, with the intent to confuse and deceive consumers:27
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25 26
Flavorit Bones Dog Chew Toys (2020). Available at:
26 https://shop.petqwerks.com/collections/flavorit-bones-dog-chew-toys (Accessed:
April 29, 2020).
27
27 CBD BarkBone, Flavorit BarkBone & Wood BarkBone Dog Chew Toys (2020).
Available at: https://shop.petqwerks.com/collections/flavorit-barkbone-wood-
28 barkbone-dog-chew-toys (Accessed: April 29, 2020).
-22-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 23 of 34 Page ID #:23
1 70. The new design of the curved Pet Qwerks product is confusingly similar
2 to the curve found in Benebone’s Wishbone. The Pet Qwerks product is at left, while
3 the Benebone curved Wishbone is at right:
4
5
6
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9
10 71. At the time of the introduction of its Flavorit Barkbone design, none of
11 Pet Qwerks’s products had curved design elements which were signature to the
12 Benebone brand and Asserted Trade Dress. In addition, according to Pet Qwerks’
13 product catalogs at the time, the vast majority of its products were not manufactured in
14 the U.S. and it did not use natural bacon flavoring.
15 72. The confusingly similar curved design and “REAL BACON” flavoring
16 are prominently featured in Pet Qwerks’ marketing materials: 28
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23
24 73. While creating designs that copy significantly from the design and
25 marketing of Benebone’s successful products, Pet Qwerks’s products do not appear to
26 copy Benebone’s product quality. In fact, YouTube channel “Tough Toy Tryouts,”
27 28
Interactive Dog Toys, Dog Toys, Dog Chews, Cat Toys, Pet Toys (2020). Available
28 at: https://petqwerks.com/ (Accessed: April 30, 2020).
-23-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 24 of 34 Page ID #:24
1 which has posted videos of dogs reviewing dog toys for several years, reviewed Pet
2 Qwerks’s BarkBone Stick and called it “the worst toy we’ve ever tested.” Accordingly,
3 Pet Qwerks’ deceptive conduct will have (and has had) a deleterious effect on
4 Benebone’s goodwill.” 29
5 74. Pet Qwerks is well aware of Benebone’s ʼ400 Patent and has continued its
6 unauthorized infringing activity despite this knowledge. Benebone gave written notice
7 to Pet Qwerks of their infringement of Benebone’s ʼ400 Patent on or about February
8 12, 2020. Benebone attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to actively engage in good faith
9 negotiations regarding Pet Qwerks’ infringement. On information and belief, Pet
10 Qwerks has pre-suit knowledge of the Asserted Patents and acted egregiously in that it
11 has done nothing to avoid infringement.
12
13 FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
14 Infringement of the ʼ400 Patent
15 75. Benebone alleges and incorporates by reference the allegations set forth
16 in the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
17 76. At all times herein mentioned the ʼ400 Patent was and is valid and fully
18 enforceable.
19 77. As shown below, a side by side comparison of Benebone’s ʼ400 Patent
20 and Defendants’ BarkBone Stick quickly reveals that the BarkBone Stick appears
21 substantially the same as Benebone’s ʼ400 Patent to an ordinary observer, the
22 resemblance is such as to deceive such an observer, inducing him to purchase one
23
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29
27 Worst toy ever? | DOG TOY REVIEWS | Pet Qwerks Barkbone WOOD Mint Flavor
Dog Toy (2020). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_E9WwmxsI
28 (Accessed: April 30, 2020).
-24-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 25 of 34 Page ID #:25
-25-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 26 of 34 Page ID #:26
1 83. Defendant’s acts of infringement have been, and continue to be, willful
2 and deliberate and therefore warrant the award of attorneys’ fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
3 § 285 and the enhancement of damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284.
4 SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
5 Infringement of the ʼ686 Patent
6 84. Benebone alleges and incorporates by reference the allegations set forth
7 in the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
8 85. At all times herein mentioned the ʼ686 Patent was and is valid and fully
9 enforceable.
10 86. As shown below, a side by side comparison of Benebone’s ʼ686 Patent
11 and Defendants’ BarkBone Stick quickly reveals that the BarkBone Stick appears
12 substantially the same as Benebone’s ʼ686 Patent to an ordinary observer, the
13 resemblance is such as to deceive such an observer, inducing him to purchase one
14 supposing it to be the other:
15 U.S. Design Patent No. D871,686 Defendant’s Pet Chew Toy
16
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20
21
22
23 87. Defendant has infringed and is still infringing Claim 1 of the ’686 Patent
24 by marketing, offering to sell, and/or selling its BarkBone.
25 88. Defendant’s use, offer for sale, offer to fulfill, sale, fulfillment, and/or
26 shipment of the dog chew toy within the United States and its territories infringes the
27 ’686 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. §271(a).
28
-26-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 27 of 34 Page ID #:27
-27-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 28 of 34 Page ID #:28
1 confusingly similar marks and design elements. The potential for confusion is
2 amplified by Pet Qwerks’s choice to use the marks and design elements in connection
3 with products that, in whole or in part, are copies or knock-offs of Benebone’s own
4 products.
5 95. Pet Qwerks’s unauthorized use of marks and design elements confusingly
6 similar to Benebone’s Asserted Trade Dress constitutes a false designation of origin, a
7 false or misleading description of fact, a false or misleading representation of fact, and
8 has caused and is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and/or deception as to the
9 affiliation, connection, or association of Pet Qwerks’s products with Benebone and the
10 origin, sponsorship, or approval of Pet Qwerks’s products by Benebone.
11 96. The aforementioned acts constitute trade dress infringement, false
12 designation of origin, and unfair competition in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a).
13 97. Benebone is informed and believes that Pet Qwerks knew of the Asserted
14 Trade Dress when it designed its products, and at least as early as February 12, 2020,
15 and despite Benebone’s requests continues to sell an infringing product. Accordingly,
16 Pet Qwerks’s infringement has been and continues to be intentional, willful and without
17 regard to Benebone’s rights in the Asserted Trade Dress.
18 98. As a direct and proximate result of Pet Qwerks’s unlawful acts and
19 practices, including those set forth above, Pet Qwerks has caused, is causing, and unless
20 immediately enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause immediate and irreparable
21 harm to Benebone, for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and for which
22 Benebone is entitled to injunctive relief.
23 99. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts, Benebone has
24 suffered and will continue to suffer significant injuries in an amount to be determined
25 at trial. Benebone is entitled to recover all damages, including attorneys’ fees, that it
26 has sustained on account of Pet Qwerks’s infringement, and all gains, profits and
27 advantages obtained by Pet Qwerks as a result of its unlawful acts.
28
-28-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 29 of 34 Page ID #:29
1 100. Pet Qwerks’s actions described above make this an exceptional case under
2 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a) and, therefore, Benebone is entitled to an award of its attorneys’
3 fees and costs.
4 FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
5 Common Law Trade Dress Infringement
6 101. Benebone alleges and incorporates by reference the allegations set forth
7 in the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
8 102. Pet Qwerks’s infringement of Benebone’s Asserted Trade Dress also
9 constitutes trade dress infringement under common law of the state of California.
10 103. The products Pet Qwerks produced, distributed, advertised, and offered
11 for sale bear confusingly similar reproductions of Benebone’s Asserted Trade Dress in
12 the Maplestick / Bacon Stick and Wishbone, such as to cause a likelihood of confusion
13 as to the source, sponsorship, or approval by Benebone of Pet Qwerks’s products. Pet
14 Qwerks’s unauthorized use of the Asserted Trade Dress has caused and is likely to
15 cause confusion as to the source of the products among consumers.
16 104. As a direct and proximate result of Pet Qwerks’s unlawful acts and
17 practices, including those set forth above, Pet Qwerks has caused, is causing, and unless
18 immediately enjoined by this Court, will continue to cause immediate and irreparable
19 harm to Benebone, for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and for which
20 Benebone is entitled to injunctive relief.
21 105. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts, Benebone has
22 suffered and will continue to suffer significant injuries in an amount to be determined
23 at trial. Benebone is entitled to recover all damages, including attorneys’ fees, that it
24 has sustained on account of Pet Qwerks’s infringement, and all gains, profits and
25 advantages obtained by Pet Qwerks as a result of its unlawful acts.
26 106. Pet Qwerks’s unlawful acts were willful, deliberate, and intended to cause
27 confusion among the public, taken in reckless disregard of Benebone’s rights. As such,
28
-29-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 30 of 34 Page ID #:30
-30-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 31 of 34 Page ID #:31
1 112. Pet Qwerks’s acts complained of herein have been committed and are
2 being committed with the deliberate purpose and intent of appropriating and trading on
3 Benebone’s goodwill and reputation, and thereby unfairly competing with Benebone
4 in violation of the common law of the State of California.
5 113. Pet Qwerks’s actions described herein were taken with substantial
6 certainty that such acts would cause harm to Benebone and in conscious disregard for
7 Benebone’s rights. Pet Qwerks’s conduct described herein was done with malice, ill-
8 will and intent to harm Benebone, such as to constitute oppression, fraud, malice, and
9 despicable conduct under Cal. Civ. Code § 3294, and thereby entitling Benebone to
10 exemplary damages in an amount appropriate to punish and set an example of Pet
11 Qwerks.
12 114. As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts, Benebone has
13 suffered and will continue to suffer significant injuries in an amount to be determined
14 at trial. Benebone is entitled to recover all damages, including attorneys’ fees, that
15 Benebone has sustained on account of Pet Qwerks’s unfair competition, and all gains,
16 profits and advantages obtained by Pet Qwerks as a result of its unlawful acts.
17 Furthermore, because Benebone has no adequate remedy at law for Pet Qwerks’s
18 ongoing unlawful conduct, Benebone is entitled to injunctive relief prohibiting Pet
19 Qwerks from unfair competition.
20
21 PRAYER FOR RELIEF
22 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Benebone respectfully requests the following relief
23 from this Court:
24 A. A judgment in favor of Benebone that Pet Qwerks has infringed the ’400
25 Patent, ʼ686 Patent, and Benebone’s Asserted Trade Dress;
26 B. A judgment declaring Pet Qwerks’s infringement of the ’400 Patent and
27 Benebone’s Asserted Trade Dress willful and deliberate;
28
-31-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 32 of 34 Page ID #:32
-32-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 33 of 34 Page ID #:33
-33-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 34 of 34 Page ID #:34
-34-
COMPLAINT
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 1 of 11 Page ID #:35
Exhibit A
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 2 of 11 Page ID #:36
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 3 of 11 Page ID #:37
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 4 of 11 Page ID #:38
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 5 of 11 Page ID #:39
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 6 of 11 Page ID #:40
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 7 of 11 Page ID #:41
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 8 of 11 Page ID #:42
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 9 of 11 Page ID #:43
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 10 of 11 Page ID #:44
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-1 Filed 05/04/20 Page 11 of 11 Page ID #:45
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 1 of 11 Page ID #:46
Exhibit B
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 2 of 11 Page ID #:47
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 3 of 11 Page ID #:48
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 4 of 11 Page ID #:49
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 5 of 11 Page ID #:50
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 6 of 11 Page ID #:51
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 7 of 11 Page ID #:52
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 8 of 11 Page ID #:53
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 9 of 11 Page ID #:54
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 10 of 11 Page ID #:55
Case 8:20-cv-00850 Document 1-2 Filed 05/04/20 Page 11 of 11 Page ID #:56