vibrator – ThursdayAgain

In the United States those looking to add a certain frisson to their sex lives will have to do so with less, after a US trade panel yesterday ruled that local suppliers are violating a patent held by a Canadian company for a “two-armed vibrator.”

The International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Lelo Shanghai Trading (LST) & others have infringed Standard Innovation Corp’s patent for a “two-armed vibrator” that couples can use during intercourse (don’t ask).

Standard Innovation, which is based in Ottawa, filed an infringement complaint against LST & others in Spring last year, accusing them of infringing on Standard’s patent for the adult toy, designed to be “worn” (again, just don’t ask) while a couple has sex.

On its website Standard Innovation describes the “We-Vibe” family of sex aids as “a global sensation.”

The commission’s ruling reverses a preliminary finding, by an ITC judge, who decided earlier this year that, while the products of LST & others did infringe on Standard Innovation’s patent, the patent holder did not have enough commercial activity in the United States to have “standing” to prevail at the ITC.

The full commission, unusually, disagreed with the preliminary findings of the judge & banned the US sale of vibrators made by Lelo Inc & a host of other small Asian manufacturers.

A patents case that doesn’t involve Apple or Samsung? Is the “two-armed vibrator” going to be the next iPad-type must-have for the hipster set? Do they come in different colors & sizes? Where does the second arm go? If you really want to know the answer to these, & a host of other, related questions; you are definitely reading the wrong blog. Try sitting alone in a darkened room & think about lettuce until the shaking stops.