Baby Jogger Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against City Mini Stroller

Los Angeles – When one thinks of cutthroat industries and competitive markets, baby accessories and stroller makers do not normally come to mind.  However, this week the public is seeing how competitive these markets can be.  To that end, The Baby Jogger Company announced that it has recently filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Britax Child Safety, Inc. in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Virginia.  The Baby Jogger Company is the owner and leading manufacturer of three-wheeled jogging strollers that can be used in all terrains.  However, it alleges in its court documents that Britax has copied its patented “Quick Fold Technology”, infringed its trade dress, and created unfair competition with its “knock-off” product.  More specifically, Baby Jogger alleges that its competitor has copied every part of its Citi Mini model, a leader in stroller sales since 2007.

Jogger claims that its competitor’s blatant theft of its design is deceptive and confusing to consumers who are unsure of the source, origin, sponsorship and approval of Britax’s B-Agile stroller.  Even worse, Britax created an advertising campaign that it alleges was clearly a carbon copy of the Baby Jogger ads showing how to utilize the quick-fold technology.  Baby Jogger claims the result is uncertainty and confusion regarding the Britax B-Agile stroller.  It further alleges that consumers are confused about whether Baby Jogger has authorized the B-Agile design, and whether Britax has obtained a license to make the B-Agile stroller.  The Baby Jogger is seeking to prevent further sales of the infringing products.

The City Series, a popular stroller line since its release in 2007, has been a favorite among consumers for its rugged design, durability and Quick-Fold mechanism.  Weighing only 16.8 pounds, the Citi Mini is not only lightweight, but its patented Quick-Fold Technology allows beleaguered mothers and fathers to fold and store the stroller with one hand.  The Citi Mini Double weighs just a few pounds more and can fit through any standard 30” doorway.  Each stroller is built by hand to ensure that the highest quality and safety standards are provided with each product.  The Baby Jogger has received numerous awards worldwide for safety and design innovation, including seven awards for safety, performance and durability from organizations such as the NAPPA, PTPA, and iParenting Media.  The Baby Jogger prides itself on using the highest quality materials and tests each stroller to surpass the requirements of ASTM International and European standard EN-1888.  Representatives for the company say that The Baby Jogger vows to protect its intellectual property to the fullest extent of the law.