A&J Asks for Import Ban on Patent Infringing Dual Gas/Charcoal Grills

A&J Manufacturing filed a petition Aug. 21 asking the International Trade Commission to put in place a Section 337 import ban on imports of “multiple mode” outdoor grills that infringe its patents. The grills have two cooking units, which allow simultaneous cooking with gas and solid fuels like charcoal. According to A&J, companies are importing and selling grills that infringe its patents on the grill’s dual design. Accused companies include U.S. importers and distributors like Brinkmann, W.C. Bradley, GDP Group, Kamado Joe Company, Outdoor Leisure Products, and Rankam Group; U.S. direct-import retailers like HEB Grocery, Kmart, Sears, and Tractor Supply; and seven Chinese manufacturers, including: Guangdong Canbo Electrical, Chant Kitchen Equipment, Dongguan Kingsun Enterprises, Zhejiang Fudeer Electric, Ningbo Spring Communication, and Wuxi Joyray International. A&J is asking for a general exclusion order banning all imports of multiple mode grills that infringe its patents, or alternatively limited exclusion orders against each company. It also wants cease and desist orders against each allegedly infringing company.