U.S. International Trade Commission Initiates Investigation Against L&L Candle Company, Shenzhen Liown Electronics and Luminara Worldwide Based on Sterno Home's Complaint

Rhea-AI Summary

Sterno Home Inc., a leader in flameless candles, announced that the International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation against L&L Candle Company and its affiliates, alleging patent infringements on four patents. Sterno Home is pursuing an Exclusion Order to block L&L's importation of infringing products, including Wick to Flame and Push Flame candles. This marks Sterno Home's second legal action against L&L this year after a federal lawsuit filed in May. Sterno Home aims to protect its patent rights and seeks damages and an injunction against L&L.

Positive

• ITC investigation initiated for patent infringement against L&L Candle Company, potentially strengthening Sterno Home's market position.
• Sterno Home is actively defending its patent rights, indicating robust legal strategy and commitment to its intellectual property.

Negative

• Second lawsuit within the year may indicate ongoing issues with L&L, potentially affecting investor confidence.
• Ongoing litigation could distract from business operations and divert resources.

CORONA, Calif., Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sterno Home Inc. ("Sterno Home"), a worldwide leading innovator in flameless candles, today announced that the International Trade Commission ("ITC") has initiated an investigation against L&L Candle Company, LLC, Shenzhen Liown Electronics Co. Ltd. and Luminara Worldwide, LLC (collectively "L&L"). The ITC will investigate L&L's importation of products that Sterno Home alleges infringe on four Sterno Home patents. Sterno Home seeks an Exclusion Order from the ITC prohibiting L&L from importing into the U.S. market all flameless candles that infringe its Asserted Patents, including L&L's Wick to Flame^TM and Push Flame^TM flameless candles, which are sold under its LIGHTLi® and Liown® brands. 

This is the second lawsuit Sterno Home has filed against L&L this year. In May 2020, Sterno Home filed a multi-claim, multi-count, patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against L&L Candle Company, LLC, against L&L. There, Sterno Home alleges that L&L infringes on six other Sterno Home patents.  In the district court case, which is pending, Sterno Home seeks an injunction to stop L&L's infringement and money damages. The products accused of infringement in the district court action are L&L's Moving Flame^TM, Matrix^TM, Wick to Flame^TM and Push Flame^TM flameless candles sold under its LIGHTLi®, Luminara®, and Matchless Candle® brands.

"We appreciate the ITC taking this action, which is another step towards holding L&L accountable for the infringement of our patent rights," said Steve Chamberlin, President of Consumer Products at Sterno Group.

A leader in the LED candle category, Sterno Home provides customers with innovative flameless candle product offerings. The company's patent portfolio protects its state-of-the-art flameless candles, which are sold under Sterno Home's Mirage®, Mirage® Gold, iFlicker®, Sterno Home® and Candle Impressions® brands.

Sterno Home is represented by McAndrews, Held, & Malloy, Ltd., who has been its legal counsel for many years in flameless candle patent matters, and is one of the country's elite intellectual property litigation law firms. "We will continue to pursue L&L's infringement in both forums and look forward to vindicating Sterno Home's patent rights," said Christopher V. Carani, Esq., a partner at McAndrews and Sterno Home's lead counsel. 

The ITC Notice of Institution is available here: https://usitc.gov/secretary/fed_reg_notices/337/337_1212_notice_08122020sgl.pdf 

To learn more about Sterno Home, visit https://www.sternohome.com.  

About The Sterno Group
Headquartered in Corona, California, The Sterno Group consists of the companies Sterno Products LLC, Sterno Home Inc., and Rimports Inc. who are the leading manufacturers and marketers in their respective segments. Sterno Home is part of The Sterno Group, which is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE:CODI).

About Sterno Home, Inc.
The innovative leader in realistic looking and themed flameless candles and a broad line of DIY outdoor home and pathway lighting found at most retailers in the US and Canada.

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SOURCE Sterno Home Inc.

FAQ

What prompted the ITC investigation against L&L Candle Company?

The ITC investigation was prompted by Sterno Home's allegations of patent infringement regarding their flameless candle patents.

What products are involved in the Sterno Home and L&L lawsuit?

The lawsuit involves L&L's Wick to Flame and Push Flame flameless candles, along with others like Moving Flame and Matrix.

When was the ITC investigation initiated?

The ITC investigation was initiated on August 20, 2020.

How many lawsuits has Sterno Home filed against L&L in 2020?

Sterno Home has filed two lawsuits against L&L Candle Company in 2020.

What is Sterno Home seeking from the ITC investigation?

Sterno Home is seeking an Exclusion Order to prevent L&L from importing infringing products into the U.S.