Thread Count Sheet Patent Battle Comes to a Close with Judge Dismissing Challenge Against 10 AAVN Patents

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The Middle District of North Carolina Court dismissed Globe Cotyarn, Ltd.’s federal complaint seeking to invalidate all 10 of AAVN, Inc.’s patents related to the manufacturing of high thread count textiles—particularly, high thread count cotton rich bed sheets.

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Business Wire, Inc.Business Wire, Inc.
Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
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Tags: 
Supply Chain Management, Other Retail, Professional Services, Online Retail, Luxury, Department Stores, Specialty, Patent Law, Other Manufacturing, Textiles, Retail, Home Goods, Manufacturing, Jazz Photo Corp. v. United States International Trade Commission, Winstead, Bed, Patent, United States International Trade Commission, Carbon fibers
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UNITED STATES, NORTH AMERICA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, NEW YORK
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AAVN
Summary
Key Points: 
  • The Middle District of North Carolina Court dismissed Globe Cotyarn, Ltd.’s federal complaint seeking to invalidate all 10 of AAVN, Inc.’s patents related to the manufacturing of high thread count textiles—particularly, high thread count cotton rich bed sheets.
  • As a manufacturer and patent owner under Alpha Cotton® of high thread count fabrics in the U.S., AAVN, Inc., competes with other manufacturers in the bedsheet industry.
  • The advertised thread count is the “apples to apples” comparison consumers use in differentiating the relative quality of sheet sets.
  • These patents are the only way that high thread count cotton rich sheets can meet correct thread count standards.


The Middle District of North Carolina Court dismissed Globe Cotyarn, Ltd.’s federal complaint seeking to invalidate all 10 of AAVN, Inc.’s patents related to the manufacturing of high thread count textiles—particularly, high thread count cotton rich bed sheets.

As a manufacturer and patent owner under Alpha Cotton® of high thread count fabrics in the U.S., AAVN, Inc., competes with other manufacturers in the bedsheet industry. Consumers associate higher thread counts with higher quality, durability, and opulence. Consequently, retailers charge consumers a premium price for bedsheets with higher thread counts. The advertised thread count is the “apples to apples” comparison consumers use in differentiating the relative quality of sheet sets. These patents are the only way that high thread count cotton rich sheets can meet correct thread count standards.

The higher the thread count, the higher the price a consumer is typically charged. Unfortunately, unscrupulous manufacturers, of bedsheets have deliberately and systematically misrepresented their products’ thread counts to achieve higher margins for inferior products. Such conduct constitutes a fraud on the consumer and directly harms competing sheet set manufacturers who do not falsely label or inflate their products’ thread count. In addition to the harm caused to consumers, potentially innocent retailers are also harmed by consumer class action lawsuits against retailers, which was recently the case for Macy’s and the reported $10.5 million nationwide class settlement resolving thread count allegations.

“AAVN is going to defend its patent to maintain the integrity of its products and protect consumers,” said Cory Johnson of Winstead PC, who represented AAVN. “Since AAVN patents, the high thread count cotton rich sheets have become one of the largest segments in sheets, defining aspirational luxury and annual retail sales of more than $1 billion.”

The dismissal of Globe Cotyarn’s case follows prior judicial proceedings before the Southern District of New York and the International Trade Commission several years prior. Those cases were also dismissed or otherwise settled with litigants acknowledging and agreeing to the validity of AAVN’s patents. For almost a decade, AAVN has successfully defended the enforceability of its patents from litigants challenging their validity and enforceability based on allegations of invalidating prior art. AAVN’s latest victory demonstrates the continuing strength of its patents and should greatly discourage challenges to their validity in the future.

About AAVN

AAVN is a patent and licensing technology company and is the owner of the groundbreaking CVC patented technology, Alpha Cotton®. The patented process of Alpha Cotton combines an energy efficient fiber technology, interwoven with cotton creating an ultra-soft, durable and economical fabric. For more information, visit AAVN.com.

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