LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Munchkin, Inc. (“Munchkin” or “the Company) the beloved baby lifestyle brand owned by WHY Brands Inc. and the Company behind the most innovative gear and lifestyle products for children, mothers and caregivers, announced today a favorable decision by the U.S. District Court (Northern District of Illinois Eastern Decision) that found literal patent infringement by TOMY International Inc. (“TOMY”).
On January 25, 2024, in the U.S. District Court (Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division), Judge Charles P. Kocoras granted Munchkin’s motion for summary judgment, ruling that defendant TOMY, and its Simply Spoutless Cup sold under its “The First Years” brand, infringed at least one of Munchkin’s patents for Munchkin’s innovative Miracle® 360° Sippy Cup.
“We are pleased with the ruling by the U.S. District Court, and its recognition of Munchkin’s decades-long investment in innovation,” said Steven B. Dunn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Munchkin. “Munchkin has invested immense resources into its R&D efforts to create the most innovative gear and products for children, mothers and caregivers as demonstrated by Munchkin’s 340+ patents. We will continue to vigorously protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, and continue to lead the way on innovation.”
Munchkin is committed to protecting its innovations through its effort in securing patent protection in the United States and other territories internationally. Unlike traditional sippy cups, Munchkin’s multi-patented Miracle® 360° Sippy Cup was designed to eliminate messes and support children’s dental health simultaneously as the cup’s dentist-approved spoutless design allows spill-free drinking from all sides and automatically seals once the child stops drinking.
The court left open that TOMY’s Simply Spoutless Cups may also infringe additional claims under the asserted Munchkin utility patent as well as a second Miracle® 360° Sippy Cup patent, a design patent, as asserted by Munchkin.
About Munchkin
For more than 30 years, Munchkin Inc., the baby lifestyle brand owned by WHY Brands Inc, has produced innovative products and functional gear for children and their caregivers. Munchkin has 340+ patents to date, and recently earned more than 180 international product and brand design awards. Its products are sold in more than 45 countries and have received over 1.25 million five-star reviews.
Munchkin is on a mission to be the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. As the only baby brand in the United Nations Global Compact, the company prioritizes corporate social responsibility with commitments to environmental protection and animal welfare, which are highlighted in its annual Sustainability Report.
Munchkin has been awarded Great Place to Work for four consecutive years and is recognized as a 2024 Best Places to Work by Built In. In 2023, Munchkin ranked #8 on Fortune’s list of “Most Innovative Companies” and was honored on Fast Company’s annual “Brands That Matter” list. Learn more at www.munchkin.com.
