Procter & Gamble (P&G) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Edgewell Personal Care’s Hydro Connect 5 razor cartridges.
The patent relates to the connection between the razor cartridge and the handle.
Filed in the US District Court of Connecticut through its wholly owned subsidiary Gillette, the lawsuit alleges that Edgewell’s two products violated this patent obtained by P&G in 2015.
The products Hydro Connect 5 and Hydro Connect 5 Sensitive were introduced in May this year and are sold online as compatible with handles of Gillette Fusion razor.
Procter & Gamble chief legal officer Deborah Majoras said: “For over a century, Gillette has been investing to deliver world class innovation and shaving products of the highest quality, which is why so many men trust their faces to Gillette.
“It is also why we take action when necessary to defend our vital technical advancements and the equally vital scientists who produce them.”
While the lawsuit seeks damages for infringements, the firm also filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) urging to prohibit Edgewell’s import of products from China into the country.
Responding to the lawsuit, Edgewell Personal Care issued a statement that read: “As a challenger company, we constantly strive to bring solutions, value, and choice to consumers. We are offering refills which fit Gillette Fusion handles via schickhydro.com. These refills offer consumers a great shave and a great value.”
The statement further added: “As innovators ourselves, we have numerous patents, and take intellectual property very seriously.”
“We will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded claims.”
