Better Houseware Corporation, a manufacturer of household products, has filed a lawsuit against Dorai Home, Inc., a maker of home goods, over a patent dispute.
On December 12, 2024, Better Houseware filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, requesting a declaratory judgment regarding the invalidity and non-infringement of Dorai’s U.S. Patent No. 11,832,777.
The dispute centers on Better Houseware’s "Magic Dishmat: Stone & Silicone Quick Dry Mat," which Dorai claims infringes its patent. According to Better Houseware, Dorai filed an infringement report with Amazon, leading to the removal of the dishmat from the platform and significant financial losses due to lost sales and storage fees.
Better Houseware argues that its product does not infringe upon Dorai’s patent, citing differences in the product’s design, including the lack of multiple absorption panels and specific features like a bottom lip or strap designed to secure components together.
Better Houseware contends that Dorai’s patent is invalid under U.S. patent law (35 U.S.C. §112) on several grounds, including failure to meet enablement and written description requirements.
The plaintiff argues that the ‘777 patent does not adequately describe how certain features should function or be constructed, making it difficult for someone skilled in the field to replicate without undue experimentation. Better Houseware also asserts that prior art references make Dorai’s patent claims obvious and, therefore, unpatentable.
Better Houseware is seeking a declaration that Dorai’s patent claims are invalid, confirmation that its dishmat does not infringe any valid claims, and an injunction to prevent Dorai from enforcing its patent.
The corporation also seeks an order requiring Dorai to retract its infringement report with Amazon, along with compensation for damages, including lost profits and attorney fees, and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
Representing Better Houseware is Boris Kogan & Associates, P.C., with attorneys Boris Kogan and Brian Roffe leading the case. The case is being heard under Case ID 1:24-cv-08498.