IP.com Patent Debate - 20060129171: Oral care implement

Infringment

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:45:59 -0500

David,

The answer is "it depends". If you are looking to enforce your patent, then what you need to do is find examples of what Colgate is actually selling in stores, compare that to your claims, and if what they are selling has every limitation of your claims, then they should be getting a license from you.

On the other hand, if you want to make sure that Colgate doesn't get a patent on an invention that is at least obvious in light of your publication, then you need to monitor the examination their patent on the USPTO PAIR web site. If the examiner doesn't cite your patent, there are ways to bring your patent to the examiner's attention.

Does this help?

Posted by humbleagent, 2008-01-19 15:45:59

tongue cleaner on reverse side of toothbrush head

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:37:47 -0400

This design is a ripoff of my own patent filed 8 months earlier: US 6,729,789. Is there any reason for Colgate not to request licensing rather than attempt to patent an already patented idea?
Posted by david, 2007-06-29 15:37:47

20060129171: Oral care implement

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Assignee:	Colgate-Palmolive Company
Filed:	15-Dec-2004
Abstract:	An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.