Innova Pure Water Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Brita Products Company

CLEARWATER, Fla.-- Chairman John Nohren announced that Innova Pure Water, Inc., filed a patent infringement suit against the Brita Products Company, a Clorox subsidiary, in the Tampa Federal Court January 24, 2000. Innova is seeking treble damages for what the company believes is willful infringement of Innova's Patent Number 5,609,709. This suit is part of Innova's aggressive and ongoing enforcement of its patents.

A similar patent infringement action by Innova against Aladdin Sales & Marketing, Inc. and Filtex USA, Ltd., resulted in a consent decree, issued by the Federal Court on August 10, 1999, which validated Innova's patent. The defendants were required to permanently withdraw the infringing product from the market and pay Innova monetary compensation.

Innova pioneered the development of personal portable water filtration products as an option to bottled water, amassing 41 patents, many of which consolidate its proprietary position in the emerging and rapidly growing personal water bottle category. Rubbermaid(R) introduced Innova products three years ago, popularizing the products. As a result of Innova's proprietary position, it is anticipated that other companies will be distributing Innova's products in the near future.

SOURCE: Innova Pure Water, Inc.