If you live in the United States and are in the market for a new two-pronged vibrator, your options became more limited this week.
On Monday, the United States International Trade Commission ruled that several firms in the vibrator industry infringed a Canadian company’s patent when they sold certain two-pronged vibrators on American soil, reports the JD Journal.
The Canadian company, Standard Innovation Corp., which owns the “We-Vibe” vibrator brand, had filed a complaint against a substantial number of sex-toy makers and distributors.
The legal struggle between Ottawa-based Standard Innovation Corp. (creators of “a family of sexual wellness products that are renown [sic] for their high-quality design”) and competitor Lelo Inc. (“the world’s leading designer brand for intimate lifestyle products”) has been especially heated.
A preliminary finding by the ITC had held that there was no infringement because Standard Innovation did not have adequate commercial activity in the United States. However, the quasi-judicial federal agency later reversed that January ruling in a full commission.
The ITC has now outlawed the sale of certain two-pronged vibrators manufactured by Lelo Inc. and other companies.
Standard Innovation calls its dual-action vibrators a “global sensation,” according to the JD Journal.
Couples can use the “body-safe and eco-friendly” sex toys during sex, according to the We-Vibe website. The We-Vibe II ($99.95) and the We-Vibe III ($149.99) both have two prongs and are both entirely encased in “medical-grade silicone.”
The We-Vibe II receives four stars (out of a possible five) in the customer reviews at Adam & Eve, “the nation’s largest and oldest sex products company.”
The “remote controlled” and “completely waterproof” We-Vibe III gets just over four stars and generally very favorable reviews at Adam & Eve.
“I just got it yesterday and have used it three times since then,” said one satisfied customer.
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING,” another happy couple added.
“Clean your We-Vibe III with mild soap and water or sex toy cleaner,” Adam & Eve helpfully reminded its customers.
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