The parties and the court
The case is Binnacle Brands, Inc. v. yiwushimengyichongwuyongpinyouxiangongsi dba PetInstinct, No. 2:26-cv-00874 (E.D. Tex., Marshall Division), filed September 28, 2026. The docket shows it assigned to District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Binnacle Brands is a Delaware corporation with an office in Fenton, Michigan. The complaint, which states that its allegations are made upon information and belief, describes PetInstinct as a Chinese company based in Yiwu, Zhejiang, and pleads venue under 28 U.S.C. 1391(c)(3).
The patents
The complaint says Binnacle Brands is the assignee of U.S. Patent 11,044,886, issued June 29, 2021, and U.S. Patent 10,178,852, issued January 15, 2019, both titled Cat Litter Box Mat. It describes the inventions as generally rectangular elastomeric mats with an upper layer over a lower layer, where the upper layer's grid of generally hexagonal openings tapers inward from top to bottom to enlarge the openings while keeping the mat durable.
The accused product and counts
The accused product is the PetInstinct Cat Litter Mat, Double Layer Honeycomb Litter Box Mat, which the complaint says is sold on Amazon in several sizes and colors under 28 listed ASINs. Count I alleges direct and indirect infringement of the '886 patent, with a claim chart applying independent claim 15, and Count II alleges infringement of the '852 patent, with a chart applying independent claim 1. Both counts allege willful infringement.
Relief sought
Binnacle Brands asks for judgments of infringement and willfulness, damages of no less than a reasonable royalty, enhanced damages up to three times, a permanent injunction or, if none is granted, an ongoing royalty, and attorneys' fees under 35 U.S.C. 285 and costs. It demands a jury.
What to watch next
The docket shows a summons issued to PetInstinct on September 28, 2026. Watch for service on the Chinese defendant and for its answer, a default, or other response.