Westlake, OH, Sept. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. International Trade Commission announced today that it has voted to institute an investigation of 17 denim jean companies for patent infringement. This comes after RevoLaze, a laser technology firm headquartered in Westlake, OH, filed a complaint on August 18, 2014, requesting a 337 Investigation by the ITC.
Lisa Sachdev, Senior Public Relations Manager with Dentons, the law firm representing RevoLaze, commented, "From the beginning we were confident that there was overwhelming evidence to support the investigation. We're pleased with the ITC's decision to move forward."
In part, the ITC issued the following statement in their September 17, 2014 press release. "The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation."
The 17 denim jean companies named include Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Blank NYC, The Buckle Inc., Buffalo David Bitton, Diesel S.p.A, DL1961 Premium Denim Inc., Eddie Bauer LLC, The Gap, Inc., Guess? Inc., H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Roberto Cavalli S.p.A d/b/a Just Cavalli., Koos Manufacturing, Inc. d/b/a AG Jeans and Big Star, Levi Strauss & Co., Lucky Brand Dungarees, Inc., Fashion Box S.p.A. d/b/a Replay, VF Corporation d/b/a/ 7 for All Mankind.
RevoLaze CEO Darryl Costin, PhD., has spent the past two decades researching and developing RevoLaze's proprietary laser scribing technology for the denim industry. "Our goal has always been to help the denim industry grow. We want to protect workers from the potentially life-threatening side-effects of sandblasting. We want to continue to introduce technology that conserves the environment while increasing quality, throughput and productivity. Our proprietary technology is aimed at accomplishing all that," says Costin.
However, there is one more key thing Costin is intent on achieving. "We want companies that are using RevoLaze's patented technology to do so legally. That is why we asked the ITC to provide us protection. By the ITC moving forward with the investigation, it signals to us that we're one step closer to making that happen. We are hoping for speedy relief from the ITC so we can stop the unauthorized and infringing imports from entering the country," says Costin.
RevoLaze LLC
Through a combination of unique digital software and specifically designed material delivery systems, RevoLaze develops the highest speed, highest power galvo driven laser machines on the planet. With over 20 years of experience, and 29 patents granted worldwide, RevoLaze offers its licensees unprecedented cost reduction, throughput enhancement and design flexibility. To learn more about RevoLaze, visit www.revolaze.com.
About Shamrock Holdings, Inc.
Shamrock was founded by the late Roy E. Disney in 1978 and serves as the family office and investment vehicle for certain members of the Roy E. Disney Family. Shamrock's tenets are straightforward - invest and act with integrity, responsibility and transparency.
About Lear Corporation
Lear Corporation is one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive seating and electrical distribution systems. The company's world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by a diverse team of approximately 122,000 employees located in 36 countries. Lear's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan, and Lear is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol [LEA].
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