Anaheim, California – June 19, 2023 – Targus® announced today that it successfully enforced its intellectual property rights against the companies behind the Wenger and SwissGear brands of laptop cases. Targus obtained just under $2 million in judgments and post-judgment interest against both companies, resolving the pending patent litigations against Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc. and Group III International, Inc.
As the pioneer of the first laptop case in 1983, Targus is a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, and the number-one selling laptop case brand in the United States.* In 2013, Targus was awarded U.S. Patent No. 8,567,578 for its invention of a new type of laptop case: a lay-flat checkpoint-friendly design which allows a laptop to remain inside the case during security checkpoint screenings. Targus’ elegant solution significantly improves and streamlines the travel experience.
“We’re pleased that Targus’ innovations have been recognized both in court and in the market,” said Targus’ CEO Mikel Williams. “As Targus celebrates its 40th anniversary, we continue our mission of providing market-leading and sustainable solutions to businesses and travelers.”
After Victorinox and Group III refused to withdraw their checkpoint-friendly laptop cases and backpacks from the marketplace, Targus brought patent infringement lawsuits against them in federal court. Targus also successfully defended a patent validity challenge by Group III, obtaining a rare final judgment from the U.S. Patent Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board confirming all 40 of its challenged patent claims.
To date, Targus has successfully enforced its ‘578 Patent against Fairhaven, CODi, Timbuk2, SwissDigital, Everki, Group III, and Victorinox.
Newport Beach-based IP litigation law firm Armond Wilson LLP represented Targus in the Victorinox, Group III, and Patent Office litigations.
###
About Targus For 40 years, Targus has been revolutionizing mobile computing accessories for large enterprises and consumers, alike — connecting people and technology in meaningful ways. From laptop bags to tablet cases, to peripherals and universal docking stations, we persistently conceive, design, and produce innovative, productivity-boosting solutions that make the complex, simple; and seamlessly integrate into the lifestyles of mobile professionals wherever they work – at home, in the office, or wherever they go. We cross categories, regions, industries, and lifestyles with a breadth and depth of products that provide you with the solutions you need to live, dream, and do. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Targus has global operations in more than 24 offices and distribution in more than 100 countries. Learn more about us at targus.com, like or follow us on Facebook, and LinkedIn.
*Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service (U.S. and Canada): combined Q3 2022 sales for Sleeves/Slipcases; Reseller Tracking (U.S.): combined sales for Laptop Cases and Other Notebook Accessories; based on unit sales, 12ME September 2022 combined.
