PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- June 24, 2003 -- Larami Limited, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc., has filed a patent infringement suit against The Ohio Art Company (Ohio Art) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The suit centers on Ohio Art's infringement of patents owned by Larami for its line of SUPER SOAKER toy water blasters.
Larami seeks damages and injunctive relief based on Ohio Art's selling of its "A.R.M. 4000 XL," a water blaster that incorporates Larami's proprietary pressurized water system and release valve as specified in the suit. Based on an analysis of the Ohio Art product, Larami has determined that the "A.R.M. 4000 XL" infringes upon two patents owned by Larami, as detailed in the suit.
"This infringement suit demonstrates Hasbro's continued commitment to vigorously protecting our intellectual properties and patents," said Barry Nagler, General Counsel for Hasbro.
Introduced in the early 1990's, Larami's SUPER SOAKER water blasters have built a reputation for superior performance, and are distinctive for their use of pressurized water and air to shoot large volumes of water considerable distances, as well as their futuristic look.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, SUPER SOAKER, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
