SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A federal lawsuit alleging patent infringement of motorcycle handlebar designs has been filed by Carlini Designs against Paul Yaffe Designs, Inc. Both companies design aftermarket handlebars for Harley Davidson Motorcycles.
According to the lawsuit, filed in federal court on Oct. 24, 2013, Paul Yaffe Designs, based in Phoenix, was notified in April of this year that Carlini’s “Evil Apes” and “Gangster Apes” handlebars were protected by design patents and the company was asked to discontinue selling and shipping the imitation (knockoff) products.
The lawsuit resulted when Paul Yaffe Designs continued to sell the patent-protected products, as recently as October.
Anthony Carlini, CEO and President of Santa Ana-based Carlini Designs, explains, “We strive to create unique, high-quality designs for our handlebars. It is unfair for Paul Yaffe Designs to be allowed to copy our bars and sell them secretly, even after we notified the company of our patent rights.”
Carlini added, “This is not the first lawsuit we have brought against competitors who act in violation of intellectual property laws. Carlini Designs enforces its patent rights rigorously to protect the integrity of the market.”
The response from Paul Yaffe Designs to the Carlini lawsuit is due in late November.
About Carlini Enterprises
Carlini Enterprises, based in Santa Ana, Calif., specializes in the innovation of high-quality parts for Harley Davidsons and choppers since 1969. All of its designs are original and all parts are designed and manufactured in the United States. For information, please visit the company’s website at www.carlinidesign.com.