Certain Vehicle Space Guards; Inv. No. 337-TA-3912 (Violation)

Jonathan Black Kotyk filed a Section 337 complaint against Drop Stop, LLC, Walmart, The Container Store, 232 Technologies Inc., and Sporty’s, alleging that imported vehicle space guard products, including the Drop Stop Seat Gap Filler, induce infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,527,314. The complaint asserts that respondents import and sell China-made seat-gap fillers with instructions that allegedly cause users to practice the patented vehicle gap guard invention. The dispute targets a consumer automotive accessory market for products designed to prevent items from falling between a vehicle seat and console. Kotyk seeks limited and general exclusion orders, cease-and-desist orders, and bonding during Presidential review, which could restrict importation and downstream U.S. sales of accused vehicle gap guard products. The complaint also relies on One More Thing, LLC’s Gap Guard product and alleged implied license to establish domestic industry. Asserted patent: U.S. Patent No. 7,527,314, directed to a vehicle gap guard for occupying the space between a vehicle seat and adjacent compartment. Accused products: Drop Stop Seat Gap Filler products sold by Drop Stop and retailers/resellers including Walmart, The Container Store, 232 Technologies, and Sporty’s. Requested relief includes a limited exclusion order, a general exclusion order, cease-and-desist orders, and a bond during the Presidential review period.