PET ECOLOGY TO FILE PATENT INFRINGEMENT LAWSUIT
DALLAS, TX -- 04/03/08 -- Pet Ecology Brands, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PECD) announced today it has retained the BALL LAW FIRM, LLP, Los Angeles, CA, and that it intends to protect its patent from being infringed on by competitors that are selling its patented products to retailers including Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores.
Pet Ecology's patented sickness-indicating, color-change reactor is a controlled, six-patented factor which detects the pH level of a cat's urine and indicates whether urinary tract infection is present. The less acidic a cat's urine, the more susceptible he/she is to forming stones or crystals in the urinary tract. The color of the litter changes to varying shades of pale pink to magenta when the pH in a cat's urine is abnormal. The darker the shade of pink, the more serious the problem may be.
The patents protect innovations that enable the detection the pH level of a cat's urine among other specific technology advances. In the lawsuit, Pet Ecology Brands, Inc. will seek an injunction that would prevent these companies from further misappropriating Pet Ecology, Inc.'s technology and infringing Pet Ecology, Inc.'s patents. The lawsuit also seeks unspecified monetary damages arising from the companies' unauthorized use of the patented technology and the continued willful infringement of Pet Ecology's, Inc.'s patents.
"Based on research by our firm and associates this seems to be an open and shut case," Byron T. Ball, attorney at BALL LAW FIRM, LLP, stated. "Pet Ecology Brands has patents and the other two companies do not.
"Unlike traditional clay-based cat litter brands, Perfect Litter is made with all natural and biodegradable minerals, making it environmentally friendly to landfills. A recipient of the 2008 SPCA's Best of the Best Award for Excellence in Cat Litter, the litter is significantly lighter than other brands, and can be shipped economically. These benefits are in addition to the sickness-indicating features and we intend to defend our superior patented protected litter," stated Ralph Steckel, CEO, Pet Ecology Brands, Inc.
"We have identified two companies that have willfully infringed on our patents. We intend to stop the infringement and defend the patented technology behind our flagship product 'Perfect Litter Alert.' These patents and the products they represent will be utilized to provide the shareholders with the value they deserve and have long awaited," stated CFO Bob Salluzzo.
