Trash Can Maker Accuses California Rival of Patent Infringement

A Los Angeles-area home goods company Simplehuman LLC is accusing a Golden State rival of patent infringement over a line of trash cans with a semi-circular lid.

Simplehuman said Nine Stars Group (USA) Inc.'s “allen + roth” branded 45-inch stainless steel trash cans with a semi-round lid infringe five of its utility patents, a design patent, and a trade dress.

The complaint, which Simplehuman filed Thursday, also names as a defendant Lowe’s Cos., which sells Simplehuman products but also the Nine Stars trash can. The product was selling for $89.98 on Lowe’s website on Friday.

Simplehuman said it’s made ...