The complaint
The case is Lippert Components, Inc. v. Days LLC (d/b/a EQ United), No. 3:26-cv-01302 (N.D. Ind., South Bend Division), an 18 page complaint for patent infringement filed September 4, 2026, ECF No. 1, with the two patents and claim charts attached as exhibits. The complaint describes Lippert as a Delaware corporation based in Elkhart, Indiana, and EQ as an Indiana limited liability company with a principal office in Cassopolis, Michigan. It pleads venue under 28 U.S.C. 1400(b) because EQ is organized in Indiana and, in the alternative, alleges on information and belief that EQ has regular and established places of business in Elkhart.
The patents
U.S. Patent 10,821,944, Attachable Leveling System, issued November 3, 2020. Claim 1 covers a vehicle leveling system with a jack extendable between stowed and deployed positions and a frame engaging bracket coupled to the jack's upper portion. The bracket has a horizontal portion and two upstanding side walls that together define a space receiving a member of the vehicle frame, and a fastening aperture that aligns with a manufacturer-provided aperture in that frame member, so that the jack's upper portion can be rigidly fixed to the frame without modifying it.
U.S. Patent 11,945,418, Method for Attaching a Leveling System, issued April 2, 2024. Claim 1 covers attaching a leveling system to a vehicle frame by providing a hydraulic jack, a frame engaging bracket with an aperture that aligns with a manufacturer-provided aperture of the frame, and a fastener; coupling the bracket to the jack; aligning the apertures; and securing the fastener through them, with the bracket's supporting surface and side walls facing the bottom and lateral walls of a frame member, the jack's upper portion fixed relative to the bracket, and the top of the jack above both the frame member's bottom wall and the top of the bracket.
The complaint alleges Lippert owns both patents by assignment through a chain from the original applicant and a later owner, including the right to recover for past infringement, and that Lippert marks its own leveling systems with the patents.
The accused product and the infringement theories
The complaint alleges, on information and belief, that EQ designs, makes, imports, offers, and sells automatic hydraulic leveling systems, including the EQ Smart-Level Hydraulic Leveling System, which it says includes a hydraulic jack, a frame engaging bracket, and a fastener for securing the bracket and jack to a vehicle frame. It alleges direct infringement of claim 1 of each patent, induced infringement through installation manuals and, for the '418 patent, a published video of an installation, and contributory infringement through the kits' mounting brackets and bolt hardware.
Notice and willfulness
The complaint alleges that Lippert sent EQ a notice letter on November 20, 2025 identifying the Smart-Level system, that EQ's counsel responded on February 9, 2026, and that the response acknowledged notice from Lippert's predecessor on or about February 19, 2021 concerning claim 1 of the '944 patent. It alleges, on information and belief, that EQ knew of the '944 patent by February 19, 2021, and that EQ's continued sales after notice make its infringement willful.
The relief sought
Lippert asks for judgments that both patents are valid, enforceable, and infringed; preliminary and permanent injunctions; damages under 35 U.S.C. 284 and provisional-rights damages under 35 U.S.C. 154(d); a finding of willfulness with treble damages; a finding that the case is exceptional under 35 U.S.C. 285 with attorneys' fees; and interest. It demands a jury trial.
What to watch next
The docket shows a waiver of service executed on September 28, 2026 and a pro hac vice application on October 30. Watch for EQ's answer or Rule 12 motion and any motion for a preliminary injunction. The case can end at any time, including by settlement or voluntary dismissal.