YETI Sues Bedgear Over Its Performance Dog Bed on Two Utility and Three Design Patents, Seeking a Recall.

The parties and the patents

The case is YETI Coolers, LLC v. Bedgear, LLC, No. 2:26-cv-06538 (E.D.N.Y.). YETI asserts U.S. Patents 11,178,849 and 11,805,753, each titled Pet Bed, and U.S. Design Patents D901,093, D910,931, and D955,665, each claiming the ornamental design for a pet bed. The complaint says YETI sells the Trailhead Dog Bed and Boomer Dog Bed.

What the patents cover

Claim 1 of the '849 patent covers a pet bed with a bolster made of a lower bolster cover with closure elements around the upper interior and exterior of its side, a foam cushion with a central opening, an upper bolster cover whose closure elements connect to the lower cover, and a fiber-filled cushion, where the upper bolster cover's upper outer member covers the fiber-filled cushion and its lower outer member separates the foam cushion from the fiber-filled cushion, plus a removable mattress with a quilted top. Claim 12 of the '753 patent covers a similar bolster with a cushion, not limited to foam, whose upper surface is covered by the upper bolster cover's lower outer member, separate lower and upper bolster covers that are releasably connected, and a removable mattress portion.

What the complaint alleges

The complaint alleges that the Performance Dog Bed, with what Bedgear calls a home base, pillow bolster insert, foam siding, and removable travel pad, meets at least claim 1 of the '849 patent and claim 12 of the '753 patent and has an overall appearance that infringes each design patent. It alleges on information and belief that Bedgear's infringement of each patent has been willful, citing Bedgear's knowledge of YETI, its products, and each patent before suit. The complaint does not plead a notice letter.

Relief requested

YETI asks for an injunction under 35 U.S.C. 283, a recall of infringing products with full refunds, damages under 35 U.S.C. 284, Bedgear's profits under 35 U.S.C. 289, prejudgment interest and costs, and fees under 35 U.S.C. 285. YETI demands a jury trial.

What to watch next

Watch for Bedgear's answer and any challenge to the willfulness allegation, any preliminary injunction motion, and whether the recall request survives as a remedy.