Brian Michaelis Quoted in Intellectual Property Law360
“Safe Skies’ Luggage Lock Suit Hits Turbulence in ITC”

Brian Michaelis was quoted in the March 24, 2010 Intellectual Property Law360 article, “Safe Skies’ Luggage Lock Suit Hits Turbulence in ITC.” The article discussed a decision by an administrative law judge that found that none of the companies targeted by Safe Skies LLC in a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) complaint over airport security-friendly luggage locks should be held liable for patent infringement. According to the article, the administrative law judge granted motions for summary determinations of noninfringement and terminated the investigation because there is no direct infringement. Brian commented, “This is a welcome decision by a very experienced judge.”

According to the article, the locks at issue can be opened by airport security personnel with a master key if the baggage needs to be screened, and are aimed at solving the problem of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers having to cut locks on luggage to carry out an inspection, while still allowing travelers to keep their bags secure. The respondents make allegedly infringing locks and bags with the locks built in under license from nonrespondent, Travel Sentry Inc., which allows them to use the Travel Sentry logo. Brian noted that Safe Skies painted Travel Sentry as the mastermind behind the infringement, directing and controlling others including the TSA.