USITC to investigate Gillette patent complaint

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has agreed to investigate shaving company Edgewell Personal Care after a patent complaint by rival Gillette.

This is part of an ongoing patent battle between the competitors.

Although Gillette settled a lawsuit concerning three-bladed razors with Edgewell, in December 2016, Gillette subsequently sued Edgewell again, in September this year.

Gillette, a subsidiary of consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G), sued Edgewell over the Hydro Connect 5 razor cartridges, at the US District Court for the District of Connecticut.

The cartridges are sold online and positioned as compatible with Gillette Fusion handles, Gillette claimed.

Edgewell was also accused of infringing a patent which relates to how the razor cartridge and handle connect. The patent was granted to P&G in 2015.

Yesterday, October 25, the ITC confirmed it would begin an investigation into Edgewell and its subsidiary Schick Manufacturing.

Gillette had filed its complaint with the ITC at the same time it sued Edgewell in Connecticut, alleging violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 through the importation of certain shaving cartridges.

The P&G subsidiary has requested that the ITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.

A spokesperson for Gillette said: “We are pleased that the ITC opened an investigation into the complaint – and look forward to a swift and fair resolution ahead.”

They added that Gillette’s commitment to innovation and quality is what makes it “one of the most trusted brands in the world”, which is why it’s so important “we take action to protect our technical advancements and support the many scientists behind them”.

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