Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 1 of 7 PageID #: 1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
PRIDE MANUFACTURING COMPANY,
LLC,
Plaintiff,
v.
EVOLVE GOLF, INC.,
Defendant.

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C.A. No. __________

JURY TRIAL DEMANDED

COMPLAINT
Plaintiff Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC (Pride), for its Complaint for
Declaratory Judgement against Defendant Evolve Golf, Inc. (Evolve Golf), alleges as follows:
Nature of the Action
1.

This is an action for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and

invalidity of a United States design patent, a United States registered trademark, and other
federal, state, and common law claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition. It is
brought pursuant to the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. 2201-02, the patent laws of the
United States, 35 U.S.C. 1 et seq., and the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq., and for such
further and other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
The Parties
2.

Plaintiff Pride is a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place

of business at 155 Franklin Road, Suite 250, Brentwood, TN 37027.

3.

On information and belief, Defendant Evolve Golf is a Delaware

corporation with a principal place of business at 15 Court 5 NW Dr., Carolina Shores, NC,
28467.

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 2 of 7 PageID #: 2

Evolve Golfs July 21, 2015 Demand Letter to Pride

4.

In a letter dated July 21, 2015 to Mr. Joe Zeller (the July 21 Letter), Sara

Bauer, self-identified counsel for Evolve Golf, asserted that Evolve Golf owned design patent
U.S. Patent No. D502,972 (the 972 Patent) and U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3280419
(the 419 Mark) for EVOLVEGOLF. A true and correct copy of the 972 Patent is attached as
Exhibit A. A true and correct copy of the 419 Mark is attached as Exhibit B.
5.

Mr. Joe Zeller is the President of Pride.

6.

The July 21 Letter stated that Pride was selling and marketing nearly

identical composite golf tees under the mark EVOLUTION . . . . Like Evolves tees, your
EVOLUTION-branded tees are a composite tee which feature four raised posts that hold the ball
to reduce friction. Like Evolves tees, your EVOLUTION-branded tees feature colored stripes
on the shaft to indicate the perfect tee height. As such, your product appears virtually identical
to Evolves golf tees.
7.

The July 21 Letter further states that [t]he striking similarities between the

marks EVOLUTION and EVOLVE, together with the similarities in the design of these
products, is causing customer confusion.
8.

The July 21 Letter stated that Prides actions infringe on Evolves

intellectual property.

The July 21 Letter further stated that Prides actions constitute

intentional trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal, state and
common law.
9.

The July 21 Letter concluded by demanding that Pride, inter alia,

immediately [c]ease any and all use of the mark EVOLUTION and [c]ease use of the fourpost golf tee design currently used.

-2-

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 3 of 7 PageID #: 3

10.

Evolve Golf followed up on the July 21 Letter with another letter from Sara

Bauer to Ira Edell, counsel for Pride, dated October 23, 2015. This letter maintained Evolve
Golfs demands upon Pride.
11.

Pride has not infringed and does not infringe any valid claims of the 972

12.

Pride has not infringed and does not infringe the 419 Mark.

13.

Pride has not and does not violate any federal, state, or common law

Patent.

trademark or unfair competition law with respect to EVOLVEGOLF or EVOLVE.

14.

Evolve Golfs July 21 Letter and included assertions, along with the October

23, 2015 follow up letter, provide a substantial controversy between parties having adverse legal
interests, of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgment.
Jurisdiction and Venue
15.

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331,

1338(a), 2201, and 2202, the Patent Laws of the United States, 35 U.S.C. 1, et seq., and the
Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1051, et seq. Evolve Golf purports to be the owner of all rights to the
972 Patent, the 419 Mark and other federal, state, and common law trademarks. Pride has not
infringed, and does not infringe, any valid and enforceable claim of the 972 Patent, the 419
Mark, or any other trademark owned by Evolve Golf. A substantial controversy exists between
the parties which is of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant declaratory relief.
16.

This Court has personal jurisdiction over Evolve Golf in this action as

Evolve Golf is a corporation organized under and subject to the laws of Delaware.
17.

This Court also has personal jurisdiction over Evolve Golf as Evolve Golf

has contacts with this forum sufficient to satisfy specific or general jurisdiction under the
Delaware Long-Arm Statute (10 Del. C. 3104(c)) and the Due Process Clause. In addition to
-3-

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 4 of 7 PageID #: 4

being incorporated in Delaware, Evolve Golf does substantial business in Delaware and, on
information and belief, sells substantial products through retailers in Delaware such as Golfsmith
at 60 Goeffrey Drive, Newark, DE 19713; Dicks Sporting Goods, 1000 Brandywine Parkway,
Wilmington, DE 19803; Golf Galaxy, 1295 New Churchmans Road, Newark DE 19713; and
Dicks Sporting Goods, 100 Center Drive Christiana Center, Newark, DE 19702.
18.

Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391.

Count One
Declaratory Judgment of Non-Infringement of the 972 Patent
19.

Pride incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1-18

above as if fully set forth herein.

20.

Pride has not infringed and does not infringe any valid and enforceable

claim of the 972 patent.

21.

As a result of the acts described in the foregoing paragraphs, there exists a

substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant the issuance of declaratory
judgment.
22.

A judicial declaration is necessary and appropriate so that Pride may

ascertain its rights with respect to the 972 Patent.

Count Two
Declaratory Judgment of Invalidity of the 972 Patent
23.

Pride incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1-22

above as if fully set forth herein.

24.

The 972 Patent is invalid for failure to meet the conditions of patentability

or otherwise comply with the provisions of one or more of 35 U.S.C. 100 et seq.

-4-

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 5 of 7 PageID #: 5

25.

As a result of the acts described in the foregoing paragraphs, there exists a

substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant the issuance of declaratory
judgment.
26.

A judicial declaration is necessary and appropriate so that Pride may

ascertain its rights with respect to the 972 Patent.

Count Three
Declaratory Judgment of Non-Infringement of the 419 Mark
27.

Pride incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1-26

above as if fully set forth herein.

28.

Pride has not infringed the 419 Mark.

29.

As a result of the acts described in the foregoing paragraphs, there exists a

substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant the issuance of declaratory
judgment.
30. A judicial declaration is necessary and appropriate so that Pride may
ascertain its rights with respect to the 419 Mark.
Count Four
Declaratory Judgment of Non-Infringement of Any Federal, State, or Common Law
Trademark Rights and No Unfair Competition with EVOLVEGOLF and EVOLVE
31.

Pride incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1-30

above as if fully set forth herein.

32.

Pride has not infringed any Federal, State or Common Law Trademark

Rights or Unfairly Competed with EVOLVEGOLF or EVOLVE.

33.

As a result of the acts described in the foregoing paragraphs, there exists a

substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant the issuance of declaratory
judgment.

-5-

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 6 of 7 PageID #: 6

34.

A judicial declaration is necessary and appropriate so that Pride may

ascertain its rights with respect to the asserted federal, state, and common law rights to
EVOLVEGOLF and EVOLVE.
Prayer for Relief
WHEREFOR, Pride prays for judgment as follows:
A. a declaration that Pride has not infringed and does not infringe any claim of
the 972 Patent;
B. a declaration that the claim of the 972 Patent is invalid;
C. a declaration that Pride has not infringed and does not infringe the 419 Mark;
D. a declaration that the 419 mark is unenforceable
E. a declaration that Pride has not infringed and does not infringe any federal,
state, or common law trademark right and has not competed unfairly with EVOLVEGOLF and
EVOLVE.
F. a finding that this case is an exceptional case, and award Pride its attorneys
fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 285;
G. an award of Pride its costs and expenses; and
H. such further and other relief as this Court deems just and equitable.
Demand for Jury Trial
Pursuant to Rule 38 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Pride hereby
demands a trial by jury for all issues so triable.

-6-

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 7 of 7 PageID #: 7

MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL LLP

/s/ Paul Saindon

Maryellen Noreika (#3208)
Paul Saindon (#5110)
1201 N. Market Street
P.O. Box 1347
Wilmington, DE 19899-1347
(302) 658-9200
mnoreika@mnat.com
psaindon@mnat.com
Attorneys for Pride Manufacturing
Company LLC
November 9, 2015
9612082

-7-

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 1 of 11 PageID #: 8

EXHIBIT A

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 2 of 11 PageID #: 9

USO0D502972S

(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent N0.2

DeLisle et al.

(54)

GOLF TEE

(75) Inventors: Stephen P. DeLisle, Carolina Shores,

NC (US); Benjamin J. Maloy, Carolina

Shores, NC (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 29/196,659

Jan. 2, 2004
(22) Filed:
(51) LOC (7) Cl. .................................................. .. 21-02
(52) US. Cl. .................................................... .. D21/718
(58) Field of Search .............................. .. D21/715720,
D21/789, 793, 794, 796; 473/387407
References Cited

638,920 A
702,078 A
D67,255 S

1,638,527 A

8/1927 Clausing ..

1,645,001 A

* 10/1927 Hodges ....................... .. 71/23

1,670,627 A
*

2,011,203 A

Alvord .................... .. D21/718

473/402

4/2000 Kolodney et al.

5/2000 Pierce

8/2000 Haggarty

6,139,449 A
6,231,970 B1

10/2000 Cardarelli
5/2001 Andersen et al.

6,280,350 B1

8/2001 Chung

6,319,156 B1

11/2001 Alexsen

6,344,003 B1

2/2002 Choung

6,454,669 B1

9/2002 James

D485,318 S

* cited by examiner

Primary ExaminerCatherine Tuttle

(74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmMyers Bigel Sibley &

Sajovec
CLAIM

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective vieW illustrating our golf tee

design;

8/1928 Bratt ........................ .. 473/400

scale With respect to FIG. 1;

* 12/1948 Seager ..................... .. 473/402

* 1/1951 Ward ..... ..
D21/718

3,203,700

8/1965

3,954,263 A

5/1976 Whelan et al. ........... .. 473/399

8/1978
11/1988
2/1992
10/1992
7/1995
11/1996
11/1997
11/1997
*

Bonfanti .................. .. D21/718

FIG. 2 is front vieW shoWing the design on a slightly reduced

8/1935 Seiki

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

1/2004

5/1928 Lowell

2,455,705 A
D161,602 S

D393,301 S

1/2000 Pan-Chung

6,053,822 A
6,062,990 A

DESCRIPTION

5/1925

4,103,888
4,783,077
5,085,438
5,154,417
5,431,392
5,571,054
5,683,313
5,690,563

6,010,413 A

1/1925 Pryde
*

1,681,391 A

6/1998 SrocZynski
12/1998 KakiZaWa
6/1999 Terado et al.

The ornamental design for a golf tee, as shoWn and

described.

12/1899 Grant
6/1902 Stockder, Jr.

1,522,544 A

5,759,118 A

(57)

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

a<a< Mar. 15, 2005

5,844,066 A
5,914,381 A

6,110,059 A

(73) Assignee: Evolve Golf, Carolina Shores, NC (US)

14 Years
(**) Term:

(56)

US 0502,972 s

(45) Date of Patent:

4/1998

Antonious

......

. . . ..

473/257

Ricketts
Lemon
Takeno
Kohli
Carson et al.
Chantal
Disco et al.
Gammon
Koskela ................... .. D21/718

FIG. 3 is a side vieW thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top vieW shoWing the design on an enlarged scale

With respect to the preceding ?gures;

FIG. 5 is a bottom vieW thereof;
FIG. 6 is a partial side section vieW thereof taken through

lines 66 of FIG. 4; and,

FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective vieW shoWing the design
on a further enlarged scale.

The tee is shoWn partially broken aWay in FIGS. 6 and 7 for

ease of illustration.

1 Claim, 7 Drawing Sheets

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 3 of 11 PageID #: 10

U.S. Patent

Mar. 15,2005

Sheet 1 0f 7

US D502,972 S

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 4 of 11 PageID #: 11

U.S. Patent

Mar. 15,2005

Sheet 2 0f 7

FIG. 2

US D502,972 S

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 5 of 11 PageID #: 12

U.S. Patent

Mar. 15,2005

Sheet 3 0f 7

H6. 3

US D502,972 S

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 6 of 11 PageID #: 13

U.S. Patent

Mar. 15,2005

Sheet 4 0f 7

FIG. 4

US D502,972 S

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 7 of 11 PageID #: 14

U.S. Patent

Mar. 15,2005

Sheet 5 0f 7

US D502,972 S

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 8 of 11 PageID #: 15

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 9 of 11 PageID #: 16

U.S. Patent

Mar. 15,2005

Sheet 7 0f 7

FIG. 7

US D502,972 S

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 10 of 11 PageID #: 17

EXHIBIT B

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/09/15 Page 11 of 11 PageID #: 18

-65HY

Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-2 Filed 11/09/15 Page 1 of 2 PageID #: 19

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I. (a) PLAINTIFFS

DEFENDANTS

PRIDE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LLC

EVOLVE GOLF, INC.

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Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
1201 North Market Street; P.O. Box 1347; Wilmington, DE 19899-1347

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Case 1:15-cv-01034-UNA Document 1-2 Filed 11/09/15 Page 2 of 2 PageID #: 20

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