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Ashley settles patent suit against Lifestyle Enterprise

Lifestyle to stop selling bedroom group

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, May 14, 2008

ARCADIA, Wis. — Ashley Furniture Inds. has settled a patent infringement lawsuit it filed against Lifestyle Enterprise in April 2007.

Ashley claimed that certain panel beds, mirrors and dressers in Lifestyle’s B6144 group infringed on three Ashley design patents relating to ornamental aspects of its B547 South Shore and B553 North Shore bedroom collections.

As part of the settlement, Lifestyle agreed to stop selling the B6144 bedroom. Lifestyle also has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to Ashley that represents Ashley’s lost profits and profits Lifestyle obtained through the sale of the B6144 group.

Lifestyle originally denied Ashley’s allegations. An attorney representing Ashley said that Lifestyle had claimed the patents were invalid, but that the courts dismissed that defense.

Ashley said it was pleased with the outcome of the settlement, which it claims confirmed its patent rights. It said the company “will continue to enforce its intellectual rights and will diligently pursue claims to protect these rights.”

Ashley President and CEO Todd Wanek declined further comment. Lifestyle also declined to comment.

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Ashley Furniture settles lawsuit against Lifestyle

May 18, 2008

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