The complaint

The case is Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. v. Reggie Pet LLC, No. 1:26-cv-01385 (D. Del.), a 14-page complaint for patent infringement filed October 26, 2026, ECF No. 1. The plaintiffs are Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., both South Carolina corporations based in Lancaster, South Carolina. The complaint says Nutramax Vet distributes Solliquin in the United States as exclusive licensee of the patent in the field of animal health supplements. It says Reggie Pet LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that sells the accused products throughout the United States.

Jurisdiction and venue

The complaint pleads subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338(a), personal jurisdiction because Reggie Pet is organized under Delaware law and does business there, and venue under 28 U.S.C. 1400(b) because Reggie Pet resides in Delaware based on its state of organization.

The '011 patent

The complaint identifies U.S. Patent No. 12,194,011, titled "Compositions Comprising Theanine, Magnolia, and Phellodendron," issued January 14, 2025. It alleges that Nutramax Labs owns the patent by assignment and that Nutramax Vet holds exclusive rights in the animal health supplement field, including the right to enforce it jointly. It alleges that Nutramax's Solliquin products are marked with the patent number.

U.S. Patent 12,194,011 covers anxiolytic compositions and methods using L-theanine with magnolia and phellodendron. Claim 1 covers an anxiolytic composition comprising L-theanine, at least one of magnolia and an extract of magnolia, and at least one of phellodendron and an extract of phellodendron, in amounts synergistically effective to modulate one or more neurotransmitters. Claim 13 covers a method of reducing, ameliorating or treating symptoms of anxiety by administering that combination in the same synergistically effective amounts. The asserted dependent claims add details such as Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense extracts, honokiol, magnolol or berberine, and changes in the release of glutamate or GABA.

The accused product

The complaint accuses Reggie Anytime Calming Chews, which it says Reggie Pet sells on its own website, through Chewy and through Amazon. It says Reggie Pet's listings state that each chew contains 100 mg of L-theanine and 174 mg of a proprietary blend of Magnolia officinalis bark and Phellodendron amurense bark extract. It alleges, on information and belief, that these amounts are synergistically effective to modulate neurotransmitters and reduce symptoms of anxiety, and it quotes Reggie Pet's marketing about the ingredients' effects on brain chemistry and its weight-based dosing instructions.

Pre-suit letters

The complaint says Nutramax wrote to Reggie Pet on March 6, 2026 asserting infringement and asking it to cease and desist, that Reggie Pet's counsel responded on May 15, 2026, and that Nutramax wrote again on September 22, 2026. It says Reggie Pet's counsel acknowledged that letter on September 23 and responded substantively on October 20, 2026, after Nutramax said it intended to file suit, and that Reggie Pet did not agree to stop.

The infringement allegations

The complaint pleads one count. It alleges that Reggie Pet infringes the '011 patent directly under 35 U.S.C. 271(a), by inducement under 271(b) of distributors, retailers and customers, and contributorily under 271(c). Exhibit 2 is said to show infringement of at least claims 1-10 and 13-20. It alleges Reggie Pet has known of the patent at least since March 6, 2026, and that its continued sales after the letters are willful.

The relief sought

The prayer asks for a judgment of infringement, damages with supplemental post-verdict damages and interest and costs, a finding of willfulness, a permanent injunction, enhanced damages under 35 U.S.C. 284, a declaration that the case is exceptional under 35 U.S.C. 285 with costs and reasonable attorneys' fees, and other relief. The complaint demands a jury.

What to watch next

Watch for service on Reggie Pet LLC and for an answer or a Rule 12 motion.