Dareltech Seeks Judicial Relief from Patent Infringement by Xiaomi, Inc., and Beijing Xiaomi Technology Co. Ltd. (Sept. 24, 2018, U.S. District Court for Southern District of New York)

The plaintiff, Dareltech, commenced this suit against Xiaomi, Inc. AND Beijing Xiaomi Technology Co. Ltd. (collectively, “Xiaomi”), two foreign corporations organized under the laws of the PRC. Dareltech, formed by the inventors, Jinrong Yang and Ramzi Khalil Maalouf (collectively, “the Inventors”), is the owner of all rights and interests in the following patents Xiaomi allegedly infringed. Specifically, on the application of the Inventors, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued: U.S. Patent No. 9,037,128 on May 19, 2015; U.S. Patent No. 9,055,144 on June 9, 2015; U.S. Patent No. 9,503,627 on November 22, 2016; and U.S. Patent No. 9,571,716 on February 14, 2017, for the “smart stick product” as now held by Dareltech. The “smart stick” product comprises “a soft-grip retractable and extendable handle…that can safely and securely hold a smartphone in place. [It] could then interface with the smartphone electronically using “Bluetooth” technology and a capture button on the handle. This allowed users to take photos and videos of themselves and others at previously impossible angles—without the need to stop strangers and ask them to take the photos instead. The latest Product design uses a sleek detachable handle connected to a smartphone case customized for each phone type and model.” Allegedly, in violation of the aforementioned patents, Xiaomi manufactures and sells highly similar “selfie stick” products.
Written by Antoinette Adesanya