PATENT INFRINGEMENT LAWSUIT INVOLVING AIRPORT SECURITY (TSA) LUGGAGE INSPECTION METHODS
Last week, Roetzel & Andress filed a Complaint under Section 337 of the Tariff Act with the United States International Trade Commission on behalf of David Tropp and Safe Skies, LLC for patent infringement against 24 foreign luggage lock manufacturers.
The investigation, conducted by the United States government, is based on the unlawful importation into the U.S., sale for importation, and/or sale after importation of airport security-friendly luggage locks which infringe Mr. Tropp’s patents. The Complaint supports Safe Skies’ global intellectual property enforcement strategy against infringers.
In 2002, Tropp developed an innovative system for making airline luggage inspection secure while accommodating the needs of the traveler. The system involves a special dual access lock, called the “TSA Lock,” available to airline travelers that can be opened by both the luggage owner and the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”).
This system provides a solution to the problem of clipped locks resulting from the TSA’s policy of cutting locks on luggage, if necessary, for inspection.
The TSA Lock, currently used by more than 60 million travelers and recognized by 50,000 TSA officers in 400 U.S. airports, was patented by Tropp in April of 2006 and is covered by two U.S. patents, both entitled “Method of Improving Airline Luggage Inspection.”
The 24 foreign lock manufacturers named in the Complaint, based in five countries with the majority located in China, have unlawfully manufactured, imported and distributed identical dual-entry TSA Locks into U.S. retail and distribution outlets.
All infringing companies make TSA locks, baggage or luggage incorporating TSA locks and collaborate with Travel Sentry, also being sued for patent infringement. The impact of these infringements is not only lost domestic sales for Tropp’s patented methods, but also compromised security issues relating to possible tampering of luggage with clipped locks.
Safe Skies owner, David Tropp states, “Retailers and distributors can enjoy the benefits of my patented innovation, including competitive pricing and greater variety of locks offered, as long as they are respectful of my intellectual property and purchase patented product. This is a win-win situation where retailers can support American innovation and benefit from best-pricing on a practical travel item. Safe Skies looks forward to building long-term mutually beneficial relationships with major retailers and distributors to make patented TSA accepted luggage locks available to the traveling public.”
Travel Bag Size are one of the few approved retailers for Safe Skies patented TSA Luggage Locks in the UK, with the Safe Skies BoomerangIt being a market leader.
About Safe Skies LLC. Safe Skies LLC (www.safeskieslocks.com) sells 100+ different styles of TSA luggage locks accepted and recognized by TSA and by United Kingdom’s Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). All Safe Skies TSA Locks are protected by US Patents 7,021,537 and 7,036,728 with worldwide patents pending.
